(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga Kabataan na Makaaasa ng Mabuting Kapalaran sa Kanilang Pagtanda” for December 28, 2014)

Growing old is inevitable. This is a natural occurrence for all life forms. Anything that was created by God and has life will come to its end, and part of it is growing old.

All things have limits, the Bible tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) It is the Lord’s will that everything that has beginning will eventually come to its end, this, so that we may fear the Lord.

Since God is the owner and giver of life, and He is the one who appointed its end, it becomes our duty to know His purpose for our existence. The Bible tells us that life will only become worthy if it is used according to the purpose of its existence. Otherwise, it will become worthless in the sight of the Creator.

God’s purpose for mankind is to walk and do good (Ephesians 2:10). This purpose has long been prepared even when we were not yet created. The good that God wants us to do is not the good that people know in their lives. The commandments and instructions of God are the only good (Romans 7:12).

While we are still living, we need to utilize life by following the will and commands of God. Remember that nothing is made in vain. All people will face God in the end and will be judged according to what we have done. The Bible tells us, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

And so, all people, especially the youth of today should understand this purpose. If we keep the commandments of God and make it as our guide in life, then it will bring us good fate when we grow old. The Bible assures, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” (Psalms 37:25)

God will never forsake those who will offer faithful service to the Lord. This is what we saw in the lives of the early servants of God. People like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Job and others. Their last days are full of blessings and peacefulness from God because they did not turn away from serving God when they are young.

God knows the ways of His servants, as the Bible says, “The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.” (Psalms 37:18-19)

If we are young today, and we have the strength to serve God, then we should grab every chance we have. We need to serve God with all our hearts and soul. We need to be smart and become real models of many things. Apostle Paul tells us, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Most of all, we need to make a stand against all sorts of wickedness, and let not our bodies be an instrument of such iniquities. The immoralities and injustices we see now are enough and now waiting for God’s wrath. We don’t want to be part of it. We need to fight all of it through faith. Apostle Paul tells us, “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

As children to our parents, we need to show that we are giving them joy and honor. And we can do it by respecting and by being obedient to them. The same joy and honor is what we can give to the Lord if we, as His children will show obedience, respect and veneration. We will become God’s glory and honour.

Let us remember that there will always be fruits to what we sow in this life. If we sow good things and pleasurable to God, we will reap the prize promised by God, which is the salvation. Otherwise, if we sow bad things, we will reap the eternal punishment in hell.

The Bible also give instructions to parents, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that their children are on the right track of life. It is their duty to teach them the way of the Lord, according to His will and instructions. They have a big part on what will be the fate of their children in the future.

If they brought their children correctly, their children will eventually care for them when they grow old. Remember the words of the Bible, “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.” (Psalms 37:37)

Whatever we do now will have a huge effect on what we will become in the near future. Our fate for tomorrow depends on what we do today. If we live according to what God desires for us, then good fate awaits us. God assures that!

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang lalong mabuting paggamit ng katuwirang, “Tao Lamang”, for January 1, 2015)

Usually, people use the words “I am only flesh” as an excuse when sin or mistake is committed. Truly, man is weak and doesn’t have the strength to do the will of God. Christ tells us, “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) We are only human after all.

The Bible also tells us that there is no man who doesn’t sin at all (2 Chronicles 6:36). And so, it becomes an excuse for everyone to say that to err is for humans. By using this as an excuse, somehow the guilt feeling is lessened.

The reason why people use this as an excuse is for vindication. People want them to be understood of their mistakes. We all want to be forgiven. In another view, it is good for people to accept their mistakes and errors done. For God, it is important that we admit our sins and repentance follows. However, being in the flesh is actually not an excuse for doing wrong things. Being in the flesh is not a license to sin against God and to others.

Yes, we can say that we are only humans prone to commit mistakes. However, if there is a good way to use this term is not to acquit us from our mistakes. If we are to use it properly, we need to use it by way of understanding others’ weaknesses and mistakes, especially to our brethren.

Admitting that we are in the flesh is also an admission that we are weak as a human being. As such, we need to learn how to endure others’ mistakes too. The Bible says, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written.” (Romans 15:1-2)

Therefore, the statement “we are only flesh” should not be focused alone on our mistakes, but instead it teaches us to endure the mistakes of others. It teaches us to understand others as human beings, so we can learn how to forgive easily. It also teaches that if we commit such mistakes as a person, others can understand us also and they will also learn to forgive us. The Bible tells us, “Why not put up with wrong? Why not undergo loss.” (1 Corinthians 6:7) Apostle Paul teaches us not to stand on our own righteousness, rather by the righteousness of God. If we have been wronged, maybe it will be hard for us to forgive if we follow what’s inside our hearts.

However, if we follow the instructions of the Lord, it will be easier for us to forgive those who commit sins against us. And it will be easier for us to forgive if we learn that all people are only flesh, prone to errors and mistakes. A servant who easily forgives has lots of love in his heart, a sign that he is truly following the commands of God. That servant clearly sees that everyone commits mistakes and sins, including him. Thus, he understood that he should endure others’ mistakes and learn to forgive also. 

Forgiveness is an integral element in the partaking of the flesh and blood of Christ. By participating on this solemn event, it is important to understand our preparedness to forgive others, as we are getting ready to be forgiven by God. This is the reason why we need self-examination. This allows us to contemplate on our selves. The Bible tells us, “If, then, anyone takes the bread or the cup of the Lord in the wrong spirit, he will be responsible for the body and blood of the Lord. But let no man take of the bread and the cup without testing himself. For a man puts himself in danger, if he takes part in the holy meal without being conscious that it is the Lord’s body.” (1 Corinthians 11:27-28)

Christ left us a perfect example of humility, compassion and forgiveness. He wants us to walk humbly, and be prepared to understand others’ mistakes, endure their weaknesses and be prepared to forgive always.

The will of God for us is to forgive others as we are forgiven; this is His commandment for all of us. We know that we will not receive forgiveness if we will not learn to forgive others. God’s forgiveness is for those who know how to forgive also.

The Bible guides us clearly with these lessons: first, do not learn to take revenge on people who sinned against us. Revenge is for God alone. It is His honor and power. Learn not to take it away from God. The Bible tells us, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written:“It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

Second, learn not to be a stumbling block to others. Judging others will not help. Judgment, like revenge is suitable only to God. Let no one take this power and authority from God. Apostle Paul says, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” (Romans 14:13)

If a servant is not worthy in the sight of God, worry not. God will get rid of those who are not worthy in His house. However, if we someone who perseveres, we do not have the authority to judge them even if they commit sins against God.

God reveals all our actions. No one can hide from Him. If someone wrongs us, let God decides on it. God will take revenge for us, if we are on His side. He will reveal those who are worthy and unworthy, the righteous and the foolish. The Bible tells us, “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5)

For now, let us examine our selves. We make mistakes too and we need to admit those and make repentance before God. Apostle Paul says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Panganib na sinasabi sa 2 Timoteo 3:1-5)

We have heard what Jesus tell to His followers, “A servant is not greater than his master, If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20) No need to wonder why many of the early Christians suffered persecutions. They are destined to be persecuted.

The persecution of the early church was great, from the hands of the so-called Saul (later was called to the church and became Apostle Paul). Saul, for his belief that his religion is the truth is fuming with anger. He wants all Christians to be jailed and persecuted. The book of Acts 8:1 tells us, “And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem.”

Some of the Apostles suffered the same persecutions in the book of Acts 12:1-3, “It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also.”

Despite of the persecutions they suffered, many of them remained faithful. They did not feel fear of death. They offered their necks because of faith. They know that these persecutions are all fulfilment of what Christ has told them.

The book of Great Controversy and The Crusaders tells us, “the followers of Christ were hunted like a wolf looking for its prey. They were forced to find shelter to the wilderness. They all scattered to the deserts, holes and caves of the earth. Catacombs became the dwelling place of thousands of them. Despite bloody persecutions, they remained faithful. Even if they were taken away from the peacefulness and convenience of life, hidden from the rays of the sun, dwelled in the dark places of the earth, they did not say any protests. Through the words of faith, patience and hope, they managed to strengthen one another to be able to survive. The lost of material wealth and gain did not hinder them to continue in faith. Trials and tests became their stepping stones to come closer to what they aimed for, the salvation and rests coming from God” (Great Controversy, page 44- 45; The Crusaders, Vol. 16, page 10; Heb. 11: 36- 38)

The dangers they experienced came from the hands of outside persecutions. What Apostle Paul fears the most is not these persecutions, these persecutions strengthen their faith more. What fears him is the danger that can come from inside the church of God.

We all know that holiness should be done in the church of God, which is the house of the Lord (Psalms 93:5; 1 Timothy 3:15). That means, every member is expected to walk according to the righteousness of God and His teachings.

Dangers will not always come from outside the church. What’s more worrying is the fact that danger can also come from the church itself, meaning from its members. How can members cause dangers or troubles? What kind of danger is Apostle Paul telling us?

Apostle Paul tells us, “Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters.” (1 Corinthians 6:8) The wickedness of some members causes other members to stumble and make their faith weakened. This is not pleasureable to God.

This type of danger happened already before. It happened to the early Christians and it can also happen to us if we do the same mistakes. One of Paul’s teachings tells us that dangerous times come because of the change of the character of people.

We, as servants cannot escape this. We can also be affected by these changes. Paul tells us, “But mark this:There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self- control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

These changes of character became the reason why we are living in such dangerous time. And we cannot deny the fact that some of us may have conformed to these changes. This causes some individuals to do wrong things to other members of the church. Sad, but true, this brought dangers to the faith of many faithful of the church.

Apostle Paul warns us, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Hebrews 12:15) The wickedness of some can affect many, and can cause them to stumble.

If there is a lesson we need to learn on this topic is that we need to be very cautious of our selves. Let no one allows us to become an instrument of wrongdoings and become a stumbling stones to others. Each member is very important to God. We were bought with the blood of the Lamb of God, which is Christ. If a member is important to Him, then we have to value and respect one another.

Apostle Paul advises, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)

If every member will strive hard to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, then we shall learn how to value and respect one another. Remember that we are one through Christ. Every member of the church belongs to one body, which is of Christ.

If we commit sins to other members, we commit the same mistakes to Christ. If we care and love one another, then we are doing it to the Lord. We need to do things that can help strengthen one another, for the church, for Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 31-32)

In the partaking of the blood and Body of Christ, we have to understand that it is not the literal or material partaking should be our main focus. We need to focus more on its meaning. Being part of his body and blood means, letting our selves obedient to His will and commands, by being humble in all ways, by accepting the weaknesses of other members and by learning to forgive easily. These are all done through love.

Being part of the body and blood of Christ also means that we are letting our selves being part of the Ministry of the church, by continuing to spread the the gospels of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, so that every one who believes will have eternal life.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Marapat Siyasatin ng Bawat Kapatid sa Loob ng IDKH” for January 15 and 18, 2015)

For servants of God, self-examination is necessary. In fact, the Bible directs us to examine our selves if we are still in faith. Self-examinations help us to assure that we remain in the mercy of God.

Self-examination in other terms is reflecting on one’s self or situation. Through contemplation we can determine the real status and this is important in our spiritual life. But how do we do it?

A wrong way of self-inspection is not helpful in determining the truth.

People inspect many things, and usually they do it wrongly. An example of this is what Jesus Christ mentioned in Matthew 7:3, there are some who look only on the mistakes of others but forgetful on looking on their own faults. This is considered as judging others, and not a good inspection. Not good because its aim is only to look on the defect of others and not to correct it.

This is what Jesus saw in the Scribes and the Pharisees at that time. They judge others. Jesus calls it hypocrisy because they clean their plates and cups but they are full of violence and uncontrolled desires. They are like resting places of the dead, beautiful and white in the outside but full of bones and unclean things in the inside (Matthew 23:25-28). They love to inspect on the mistakes and sins of others, without correcting them, but they failed to do it on their own selves.

The correct inspection is to know the mistakes and rectify it afterwards. In the part of the one who corrects, he should see and rectify first his own mistakes before others, so he can have full authority in correcting others.

Usually, members of the church inspect their Preachers. Preachers are bold letters to the eyes of the members. They are the models of faith to many. Members usually base their servitude, words, actions, advises and decisions from their Preachers.

One of Apostle Paul’s bitter experiences is the wrong judgment of some members of the church of God. This is the reason why he wrote to them not to judge right away because there is a God who knows everything and examines all. He writes, “But it is a small thing to me that I am judged by you or by man’s judging; I am not even a judge of myself. For I am not conscious of any wrong in myself; but this does not make me clear, for it is the Lord who is my judge.” (1 Corinthians 4:3-4)

One of his defenses to those who inspect them is the right or privilege to use portions of the offerings they received from the members. He told them he did not use the right to use the offerings for their personal needs instead they work and earn for their own needs, a proof that they had been true models in the midst of the brethren (1 Corinthians 9:2-7,12).

The administration of the church, which consists of the Preachers, Presbyters and Bishop, has a right to inspect members. However, they have to do it in a righteous way.

For example, if a member has a complaint against someone, it should not be considered right away as a reliable complaint. It should be examined carefully if it is true or not (1 Timothy 5:19).

In ancient Israel, they determine the truth through careful investigation and questioning so that the judgment between two parties involved in the dispute will be fair (Deuteronomy 13:14). They need to do it so they can avoid the false witnesses that usually arise from their midst (Deuteronomy 19:15-19). This is unfair and should not be seen in the church of God.

The administration of the church has a duty to remind members who have been proven guilty of their sins, and if necessary, punishment should be implemented. The Bible says, “Say sharp words to sinners when all are present, so that the rest may be in fear.” (1 Timothy 5:20)

Jesus tells us that it is everyone’s duty to remind each other. If anyone commits mistakes against us, it is our duty to let them know their faults (Matthew 18:15-17). If they would listen, then we won against them. But if not, we should send the complaint to the administration, which can handle those difficult situations.

If necessary, sharp words should be used so members should be awakened to the truth, and so others will not imitate it and that they learn to come in the right faith. (Titus 1:10-13)

Aside from these things, what should members of the church learn to inspect?

It is also the duty of every member to inspect the contents of the Holy Scriptures. The early Christians particularly the Bereans showed amazing zealousness in the study of the Scritptures. The Bible says, “Now these were more noble than the Jews of Thessalonica, for they gave serious attention to the word, searching in the holy Writings every day, to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

It is important to carefully examine the Scriptures because it is the basis and foundation of our faith and belief. There are many stories and things written in the Bible that aims to teach us not to do the same mistakes done by early servants of God. It also teaches us to imitate the remarkable deeds of the early servants of God.

Apostle Paul is right when he tells, “Now those things which were put down in writing before our time were for our learning, so that through quiet waiting and through the comfort of the holy Writings we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) From here, we shall prove that the Scriptures are indeed the true words of God, and the words written are all truth and faithful, that we need to believe and be the basis of our salvation (Revelations 21:5).  

This is the reason why God commanded to seek out these Scriptures. It is complete and doesn’t need anything; all are commanded by God and inspired by His Spirit. (Isaiah 34:16)

And if the members of the church do this, what will be its benefit to them? Is careful examinations of the Scritpture can help them a lot?

It is not only wisdom that we acquire in studying the Scriptures. Note, that it can help us to teach and rebuke others of their faults, so that they may come to the right faith (2 Timothy 3:15-17), and so that they can achieve the perfection of faith. Therefore, studying the Scriptures aids us in many things. But most importantly, Scriptures will definitely guide us to achieve eternal redemption.

However, it is not enough that we examine the Scriptures. We know that God wants us to walk on it, by living an exemplary life according to the righteousness of faith. Scriptures and wisdom are worthless if it will not make us truly educated and if it will not change our wicked ways. Wisdom from God should be evident in our lives.

To assure that these Scriptures are changing our lives, we should try to have self-examinations. Apostle Paul directs us, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

What should we examine in our selves?

First, Paul advises us to examine our own deeds, “But let each one test his own work” (Galatians 6:4,8) This is the same as what is written in the book of Lamentations 3:40, “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord.” The focus of the examination is not centered on others, but to our selves, to our own actions. What have we done in the past in the sight of God? Only our selves can answer this.

Second, we need to learn to be quiet and do our own works. Learn to work on our own hands and walk according to the pleasure of God and others (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

From here, we can avoid the mistakes of the early servants of God whow walked without order and discipline. The Bible says, “For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.” (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12)

Each member has a duty to walk and live according to what God has called us for. Along with this, is to do with all our power every good thing about faith. By doing these things, we can glorify God and can please Him while we live.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Ibig ng Dios na Pagbabago na Maganap sa Lahat ng Kapatid,” for January 22, 2015)

Many people desire to have changes in their selves. Some want to change their character or attitudes. Others want changes in the way they live especially in the financial aspect of their lives. All of these changes are based only with their own preferences.

Each servant of God is also expected to show changes in their lives and characters. However, the changes should not be dictated by their own preferences but to what God desires on them. If the change is based on the will of God, we are assured that it will be a good change.

Every new year, people are always driven by their resolutions. New year’s resolution is a common tradition that originates from the Western part of the world and slowly crept in the East. It is a self-made promise aiming to change, amend or improve something in the mindset or character that will start on the New Year.

Babilonians make promises to their gods at the start of every year in matters of their debts and loans. Romans start their new year by making a promise to their god, Janus, from whom the month of January was taken. In the Medieval era, Knights make their peacock vow after the celebration of Christmas to renew their commitment on their chivalry.

In Judaism, their New Year is called Rosh Hashanah. Biblically, it is called Yom Teruah or the Feast of Trumphets, which culminates, at the beginning of Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement, which everyone will confess their sins and ask for forgiveness not only to God but to others as well.

These traditions, though different from one another, seek to find self-improvement.

God desires changes in us. However, there is no need for us to wait for every New Year to change. Change can be done in all circumstances. What are the things that we need to change?

Long before, the Bible tells us about changing our ways. It says, “Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit.” (Ezekiel 18:30-31) The change desired by God in us is in the part of our hearts and minds, not in the physical aspects.

Related to this, Paul advises us not to conform to the present way of life of the world. We have to renew our minds and be transformed (Romans 12:2). How can we assure that the change we are doing in ourselves is according to the will of God?

A person who wants true change should seek the will of God. Searching the Holy Scriptures should be done so we will know how change is done. If change is done according only to the preferences of men, it will not be right before God. There is no assurance that it will be pleasurable to God.

And besisdes, the Bible tells us, “it is not for them to direct their steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23) This means that people have no power to do truthful changes in their lives. Man can only change through God’s help, through the power of His spirit, through His words and commands.

To change something in our lives, especially the one that God desires is a long process. There is no instant solution for change. Anyone who wants to change should follow the process set by God.

First, a man needs to know the will of God first in order for him to understand what to do. The will of God will direct and guide him towards truthful change. Apostle Paul says, “when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.” (Ephesians 4:21) Therefore, listening and hearing the words of God are very important in the process of change. This is the first element towards change. Without this, nobody can do the change desired by God.

Second, Paul says, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.” (Ephesians 4:22) We need to remove our selves from our former lives, which means, we need to leave our lives that depend on the wickedness of this world. We need to strive hard to let go of all these negative deeds.

If we want to change the mind, we have to remove the negative thinking. The contents of the mind should be according to the righteousness of God. The Bible says, “to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:23-24) If the mind changes, the actions will follow. The whole body will eventually be directed towards righteousness. The actions and deeds will be according to the will of God, creadted unto holiness and righteousness.

Thus, there is a standard that needs to be followed in order for us to attain the change desired by God. Our preferences will not stand against God, “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5) The Holy Spirit that will come from God will help us attain the desired change.

The desired change will lead us to perfection and holiness. Remember that there is no unclean thing that can enter the kingdom of Heaven (Revelations 21:27). That means, while we have the chance, while we are living here on earth, we need to make the desired changes. Thus, we can attain the perfection of faith and eventually lead us to eternal redemption.

Paul tells us that when Christ comes, He will take all His followers. The dead will rise up again, especially those who died in serving Him. The body will be transformed. The mortal body will be changed into a glorified body (1 Corinthians 15:49-51)

We can be part of this great transformation if we will strive to do the desired change now. We shall do this not only because it is New Year, but also it is really desired by God. Change can be done not only at the beginning of each year, but also it can be done anytime, anywhere at all times.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Magbabago ng ating Pagkamamamayan sa Langit” for January 25, 2015)

When God created man, the original design is to let us live eternally or without end. Everything changed, when the first creations chose to disobey God and committed sin against Him. The body, which is originally designed to live forever now has an ending.

However, because of God’s love to mankind, He created a way so we can live an eternal life. All we have to do is come to Him, search for His will through the Holy Scriptures, and know His will and purpose for us. If we accept and believe God’s truth, it wil lead us to eternal life.

The problem is, this body is now designed only to live here on earth. It is not designed to live in God’s kingdom, in heaven. But, there is no need to worry. What we need to solve is the problem of doing the will of the Lord. The next thing will be truly amazing because after we know His will and we learned to accept and do them, God will take care of the rest.

Long before, there was a plan that this earthly body will be changed. Job, a servant of God, talks about the change that will happen at an appointed time (Job 14:14). Job said in that verse, “I will wait for my renewal to come.” The renewal will take place when Christ comes. This was explained by Apostle Paul. Paul says that we will all be changed or transformed. It will happen in a flash, like the twinkling of an eye. On that time, the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed. The earthly body will be transformed into a glorified body. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

This will happen when Christ comes. When He returns, the dead will be resurrected just like His resurrection. They will be raised up as immortal beings like the angels in heaven. Meanwhile, those who will be alive at the time of Christ’s return will be changed also. The earthly bodies will be changed into heavenly bodies. (1 Corinthians 15:40)

The body that we have now is not worthy before the glory of God. This is the reason why it needs to be transformed, so that it will be worthy of His glory (John 17:24).

If we will be transformed, what is the best picture in describing it? The Bible tells us that after the body is transformed, death will no longer be a part of our being. Jesus tells us that we will be like angels in heaven, “and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.” (Luke 20:36)

This will happen in just a blink of an eye, through God’s power. The Bible adds, “And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.” (1 Corinthians 15:49)

The question is, who has the only power to transform us and make us citizens of heaven? The Bible tells us that it is only Jesus Christ has the power to do this. We are waiting for His return, and when He comes, He will transform us so that we could live an eternal life. The Bible says, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21) 

What happened to Christ is a preview of what will happen when He comes back again. He died on the cross, but on the third day, He rose again from the dead. This will happen to all His followers and believers. Christ became the first born of all mankind (Romans 8:28-30).

However, the Bible repeatedly tells us that we don’t know yet what we will become in the future. In any instance, we can turn away from the grace of God because of our sins. At any given time, we can commit mistakes that can disqualify us from having the eternal redemption. Also, because of the wickedness of some, we can stumble and loose our faith, especially if we are weak.

And so, we need to be persistent and remain faithful all the days of our lives. This is the only way to qualify for the eternal glory, which will be given by Christ. The Bible tells us, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)

All we need to do now is to be patient, and run the race with hope of the coming salvations. Remember, that when our salvation comes, we shall never be lost. The glory that we will receive is incomparable to anything in this life. Let us continue to remain in love and service, in His will and commands, for by keeping His laws, we shall be transformed as citizens not of this earth but of His kingdom, in heaven.

(From the sermon etitled, “Ang Mabuting Gawa ayon sa Biblia” for January 29, 2015)

Doing good works is important. Many people believe that they will receive salvation by doing good works to others, to self and to God. However, is it the will of God for everyone? What are the good works that God wants us to do?

If we ask the Bible, it tells us that we were created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Even before we were created, the path of doing good works was already prepared for us. However, our good works is different from the good works of the Bible. Not all good things to people are good in the sight of God.

The Bible tells us that only God’s laws and commands are considered to be holy and good, “the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.” (Romans 7:12) We can be assured that we are doing good work if it is according to the laws and will of God. It cannot be identified as good work if it only came from our thoughts and personal decisions.

The Bible tells us that there is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death (Proverbs 14:12). It means not all that we actually think as right is always right before God. Usually it brings us to painful fate. It can be beautiful and expensive as it seems, but it is nothing to the Lord if it is not commanded.

Apostle Paul mentions, “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.” (1 Corinthians 10:23) This gives us proof that not all that we think is righteous in the eyes of God.

To assure us that we are doing the good works expected by God, we need to know what the will of the Lord is. God purposely will that we follow all His commands, which says, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Good works should not solely come from our thoughts and decisions. It should come from the will of the Lord. It should come from what the Holy Scriptures is telling us. The Holy Scriptures can teach us what to do, it can correct all our mistakes, and it can bring us unto perfection and salvation (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Therefore, the Scriptures should be our basis when it comes to doing good works.

The truth is, man has no excuse when it comes to doing good works. The Bible tells us that God had already made known His will to mankind and He is asking us to do His will. It says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) There is no reason why we cannot fulfill the duty set before us. God did not miss a thing especially in showing us what is good. All we need to do is to search and read the Scriptures. It tells and guides us in what we should do.

Through Jesus Christ, God had shown us an example that we should follow (1 Peter 2:21). We cannot get lost as long as we do not interfere of what the Bible is trying to tell us. Christ has shown us many examples. He became a son and set us an example of obeying the will of the Father.

One of the examples that He had shown is when He went to the temple at a young age. When His parents went looking for Him, He says, ““Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house.” (Luke 2:49) Jesus did not only show the importance of going to the temple. He is trying to tell us that as a Son, or as a child of God, we need to come to the house of God, because it is where every good work is due.

As a proof, the Bible tells us that all holy deeds should be done in the house of God. King David says, “Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O Lord, forevermore.” (Psalms 93:5) In the New Testament, Apostle Paul tells us that the house of God, where holiness are suited is none other than the church built by Christ, the church of God (1 Timothy 3:15).

When Paul was called to be an Apostle of Christ, through the will of God, He was called unto the church of God. He writes, “Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.” (1 Corinthians 1:1-2)

Indeed, all who were called to be servants of God can now do holy works in the church of God. Paul reminded all members of the church in his epistles to continue doing good works to all, especially to all faithful. The church of God is where we can do good and holy works, and obey the laws and commands of God. Paul advises, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

We can do good works in many ways as long as it is according to the will of God. An example is, we can be a part of helping the duty of the church to propagate the gospel of the Lord. We can help by sharing it to our friends, love ones and to others. We can also help by giving financial contributions to the church. The contributions that we give cover all the expenses of preaching the words of God to members and as well as to our missionary works.

If all members can do their share, then the church will continue to grow. And this will only happen if we open our selves to help. This is the reason why we must not get weary in doing good works. We need to be rich in terms of doing good deeds to others especially to all members of the church. By doing these, we are preparing ourselves a special place in heaven, and it can only be done by enriching ourselves with good deeds here on earth. Doing good deeds that are according to the will of God is directly connected to eternal redemption.

Whatever good works we are thinking, make sure that it is according to the will of God before we consider doing it. It will be worthless if we only think it is right and not righteous in the sight of the Lord. Paul reminds us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga Taong Nagpapahamak ng Kanilang Sariling Kaluluwa,” for February 1, 2015)

Our soul is important. We’ve got only one and we cannot afford to put it in danger. However, there are people who are risking their soul without their knowledge. How do they put their souls at risks?

Every living being has a soul. Like the body and spirit, we are commanded to take care of the soul. Paul says, “May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

The soul is different from the spirit. The spirit is the breath of life, which can be found in our nostrils. This is what God had given us when He created the first man, when He gave Him the brath of life. In Genesis 2:7 we can read, “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”

The Bible tells us that the soul is the inner personality that resides in our hearts (2 Corinthians 4:16). This is the element that is most important to God. God looks on the heart everytime He looks on us. Apostle Peter explains, “but the inner person a of the heart, the lasting beauty of a gentle and tranquil spirit, which is precious in Godʼs sight.” (1 Peter 3:4)

The soul is the part of our being that can feel all our emotions, such as joy, happiness, grief, fear etc. The Bible tells us, “But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.” (Job 14:22) David says it is the part of our being that shows recognition and faith in God, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Psalms 42:2)

It is the part of our being that can feel mercy, concern, and love not only to one’s self but to others as well. The Bible says, “Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has not my soul grieved for the poor?” (Job 30:25)

Like the body, our soul can die. The Bible emphasizes, “The soul who sins shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20) When a person dies, its soul will settle on its body (dust). This can be read in Psalms 44:25, “For our soul is bowed down to the dust.” The physical death of the soul is evident in the Bible. When a person dies, all its major elements will die also, such as the body, soul and spirit. However, the Bible tells us that souls can experience the second death, which is the eternal death.

This is what we have to fear. Jesus tells us, “do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

How can a man put his soul at risks?

The Scriptures tell us that anyone who does abominations to the Lord is putting his soul at risk. The book of Proverbs tells us, “But he who does evil to me, does wrong to his soul: all my haters are in love with death.” (Proverbs 8:36) Sin is like chocolate-coated candy. It may appear good or beautiful in the outside as temptations always go, however, the fruit of sin leads a person to death and destruction.

Sinners who despise rebuke and advise most likely put their souls in great danger. The Bible says, “He who will not be controlled by training has no respect for his soul, but he who gives ear to teaching will get wisdom.” (Proverbs 15:32)

If a soul does not break its habit of doing wicked things before the Lord, the Bible tells us that it will definitely crave for more sinful things. It cannot sleep without doing sins and presumably death will come before him (Proverbs 21:10).

The effective way to avoid putting our soul into risk is to constantly examine our selves. We need to assure that our soul is being taken care of, that it walks according to the will and commands of God. We need to assure that it doesn’t go astray from the words of God. Remember, “he who takes care of his way will keep his soul.” (Proverbs 16:17)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Isa sa mga Dakilang Pagpapala ng Dios at ang Paraang Itinuturo ng Biblia upang Matanggap Ito,” for February 5 and 8, 2015)

 We have known God as a merciful, loving, full of patience especially to His servants and faithful. Long before and until now, He had shown His compassion and goodness to all who obey His will and commands.

God made a promise to ancient Israel. If they will obey His commands, God will bless them. The Bible says, “For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” (Deuteronomy 30:16)

Therefore, the key to God’s blessings is to walk according to His ways by obeying His will and commands. Along with obeying His commands is to turn away from sins and wickedness of this world.

The Bible tells us about this, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” (Psalms 1:1-3) 

The result of following God’s will and turning away from sins is having a clean and pure heart before God. Having a clean heart gives us the chance to see one of God’s greatest blessings, which is to see Him. The Bible tells us, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

This promise is great because it is something that we cannot get here on earth. This is not a material blessing that we enjoy. This promise is great because we get to meet God face-to-face whom we serve and worship. Anyone who remains in the commandments of God has a big chance to see Him. If we come to His words, and obey His will, we will be sanctified and become holy because His words will cleanse us until we attain perfection in His sight.

Whatever blemish or sins we have done in the past will be wiped out if we come to God and repent. The Bible says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Repentance is needed if we really wanted to be cleansed. True repentance means we need to recognize our sins and mistakes. David confesses his sins before God. He writes, “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.” (Psalms 51:2-4)

If we confess and admit all our sins and if we come to God wholeheartedly, God will surely forgive us.

The Apostles of Christ preach that repentance and baptism is needed if we want to be forgiven. We can read, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

Repentance means we need to turn away from our sins and past mistakes. We should never come back to it again. This is true repentance. To be able to do this, we need to ask God’s help. The Psalms of David tells us, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalms 51:10)

If we have truly cleansed our hearts, that doesn’t mean that we will not sin anymore. We are always in the flesh and bound to make mistakes and sins. The Bible tells us that we need to maintain it pure and clean. But how?

Jesus tells us, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Matthew 12:34) We need to control the contents of our hearts. Anything that goes inside the heart shall be manifested and will be shown or spoken out. Christ tells us that our heart is the origin of many wicked things, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” (Matthew 15:19)

If this is evident in us, then we are still unchanged and not totally cleansed. We need to protect the heart from committing sins, from getting too much blemish because of sins. After all, we cannot hide it. It will always be manifested.

We should try to avoid having negative thoughts about others. There are people who always think negatively towards others. We often doubt and think of others in a negative way. This is coming from the heart. We should be careful not to do it.

How can we maintain a pure and clean heart if we experience many sufferings and wickedness?

Jesus tells us that as servants of God, we are destined to suffer many painful experiences. He tells us to overcome everything, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

We need to accept that we have to face all the painful sufferings and trials as part of being a servant of God. We need to accept that there is hope in sufferings. Paul tells us, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3)

Christ suffered pain, sufferings and trials as an example that we should follow. If the Master felt all these sufferings, His servants should feel them too so that they may learn a valuable character and lesson to each trial. Christ overcomes all these sufferings and He wants us to overcome the world without loosing the purity of heart.

Now, what we need is to have a positive outlook in all the things that we experience. Whatever experience we may encounter, it should not come and go without telling us an important lesson to learn. It should make us stronger than before we encounter them.

Especially in the end times, Christ tells us that many will do wicked things to others and it will be the reason why the faith of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:10-13). Faith and service will be affected because of the wickedness of many. This is because of the negative acceptance of all their painful experiences.

The Bible tells us, ““But my righteous one will live by faith.” (Hebrews 10:38) Whatever we experience in life, we should show that we would live by faith. We will show these experiences that our faith is bigger and stronger than them. We will remain and live in faith and we shall positively face all these things because we know if we overcome them, we shall receive eternal redemption, only if we do not turn back.

To be able to withstand all these sufferings of life, we should take the words of God as our light and guidance. Remember the promise of God’s words, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;” (Psalms 34:18-19)

God promises that no matter what happens, if we keep our faith in Him, He shall never abandon us. He will always help us rise when we are down and troubled. All we need to have is the humility to accept all these things, especially if we are suffering from the wickedness of others. Let us all show that we believe in the justice of God.

Do not let ourselves be affected by these wickedness, instead show them that we are waiting for God to give justice for everything. We should not take avenge to those who are doing bad things to us. Revenge is only for God. It is His glory and power; let us allow Him to take revenge for wrongdoers (Romans 12:17-21).

And as always, we should let our hearts be opened and prepared to forgive especially to those who do wrong things to us. We should learn to forgive unconditionally, as we have known that God will only forgive us if we learn how to truly forgive (Luke 17:3-4).

And we know that we should make it a habit and it should become our character, because it is God’s will to all of us. Remember that following God’s will and commands will always benefit us as His servants. If we maintain a pure and clean heart amidst the painful sufferings coming from trials and even from other people, then we shall receive God’s promise, we shall see Him in heaven where God is waiting and preparing a home for us.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Daing na Pinakikinggan ng Dios” for February 19, 2015)

Not all sorts of prayers are answered. Some are answered in God’s time. Other prayers are left unanswered because it is not according to the will of God. The Bible says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14)

If we ask anything from God and it is according to His will and pleasure, God assures us that He will hear our prayers. However, the Bible tells us that there are people who are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own desires and they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage (Jude 16).

The word grumbler in Greek is defined as someone who complains or a complainer. People often complain to God through prayers. People who complain show that they are not satisfied with what they have in life. Although they are comlaining, grumbling means complaining in a silent way.

Grumbling is different from the real definition of a correct prayer. If a person talks to God and grumbles about everything, God never listens. The Bible says, “I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer;” (Job 30:20) People often ask something from God but God do not listen to them. It is because there is something wrong with their prayers. It maybe what they are asking or the motive of their requests is not righteous to God.

How can we make sure that God will listen to our prayers? How did the Bible explain a request that is according to His will? Why do some prayers are unanswered?

God is a merciful and benevolent God. He knows what we need and desire because we are His children. Whatever we ask of Him, as long as it is according to His will, God will surely give it. However, if we ask anything that is only according to our desires and is contrary to His commandments, then God will never give it to us.

If we ask something from God and we plan to use it in ways that can commit sins against Him, God knows it and will never respond to it. Apostle James tells us, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:3) Any parent would never give anything that can harm their children. God will never grant a request if He knows that it will only be used for personal pleasures.

The wickedness of people made God deaf to their requests, because He knows that their motives are wicked. God does not answer the prayers of the wicked. If there is someone who answers the prayers of the wicked, definitely it is not God. The wicked calls to God but God never answers. The Bible tells us, “He does not answer when people cry out because of the arrogance of the wicked.” (Job 35:12)

It is normal for people to ask something from God and trust in Him. However, there is a correct way of praying. The correct way of praying assures us that God will definitely hear us. Ancient Israel grumbled about their lives when Moses took them away from Egypt. They doubted God’s power and showed lack of faith in Him.

People doubt God’s grace when in the middle of crisis and sufferings. People who failed to count their blessings become grumblers and complainers. This is not the character of a true faithful. A faithful trusts God and knows to recognise God’s blessings and mercy, trusting in all His power, that He will never forsake nor abandon His children especially in times of distress. They believe that when they ask for help, God will always be there for them.

God only wants something from us. If we know how to ask and pray, we should also try to have a merciful and generous heart to others who are also seeking for help. The Bible reminds us, “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.” (Proverbs 21:13) The next time someone cries for help, we should listen to them and act if we are able to help. Do not ignore the cry of the poor because God will also ignore us when we ask something from Him.

Praying and asking something from God should not be done only for personal desires. Members of the church are encouraged to pray also for the sake of others. Paul advises, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” (Philippians 1:4) In fact, when Paul wrote to the Ephesians he asked them to pray for the goodness of other members of the church, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18)

Remember that God’s ears always listen to the cry of His people who trust in Him, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12)

If we want our prayers to be answered, we have to make sure that our motives are righteous and according to His will and pleasure.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Dapat Ingatan ng mga Kapatid sa mga Nagsisipagsalita ng Salita ng Dios” for February 22, 2014)

There is no other source that can explain about the attributes of the words of God, except of course the words of God written in the Holy Scriptures called the Bible. The books of the Bible explained how great is the power, the truthfulness and sacredness of the words of God.

An example is found in the writings of King Solomon, which says, “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5) The word flawless in other versions was translated as pure. The purity of the words of God means that it was not adulterated or corrupted by men’s words. A person who truly believes will make it their shield and refuge.

God did not allow His words to be spoiled by men’s wisdom, making it as pure as the words that came from Him. He will never allow men’s opinion to alter anything from His words. David explains, “And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times” (Psalms 12:6) Many times, the words of God have been tested to prove its authenticity. Skeptics tried to prove that it did not came from God, because once it is proven that they all came from God, then they have to believe that there is a God. Their tests gave more proof to God’s existence, making the Bible as the true source of God’s words.

The Bible also tells us that the words of God is a weapon. In Hebrews 4:12, we can read, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double- edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The words of God are very powerful and mighty. His words created everything in the universe and on this earth. His words have the power to infiltrate our deepest senses. It can divide all our organs and parts as it was said.

The words of God are the manual or guidebook of every individual. Sad to say, many failed to read the instructions and have failed to fulfill their purpose in life. They know not that the same words of God will judge them in all the things that they have done, be it good or bad, be it revealed or secretly done. Jesus says, “the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day” (John 12:48) 

The Bible tells us, blessed are those who trust and obey everything that were written in the Holy Scriptures. A person who listens, believes and obey the words of God will be strong because he makes the words of God as his refuge and salvation. Jesus says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)

What do we need to be cautious of especially to those who speak of the words of God? The Bible tells us, “See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks.” (Hebrews 12:25) Whoever speaks of the words of God, especially our preachers should be given attention. Preachers of the words of God are His instruments to guide us, to correct our mistakes and lead us to a perfect and holy life. If we condemn the preachers, it is not the preachers who are being condemned, but it is God who made them preachers of His words. We should listen to them in all ways possible because they are speaking not of themselves but of God.

Other than listening, God wants us to submit ourselves to our preachers. The Bible says, “to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it” (1 Corinthians 16:16) It is really important that members of the church learn to submit themselves to their respective Ministers. Where will obedience came from if not from the members of the church? God doesn’t expect obedience from the unfaithful. It should come from those who believe in the true words of God. Apostle Paul advises, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

The recognition, obedience and respect to the Ministers and administration of the church will result in peace and order. This is one of the purposes why Paul asked all members to love their preachers. If we love our preachers, Ministers and administration, it will be easier for us to obey and respect them.

Other than this, let us be reminded about the sacred duties of our Preachers. Preachers are given to us to remind us about our duties and vows before God. They are also there to remind us in all our mistakes. We should not give wrong impressions when they speak because they are only performing their duties.

The Bible says, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way” (Hebrews 13:17-18)

Let us give what is due and proper to our Ministers and Preachers. By doing this, we are helping them to do their holy duties happily and pleasurable to God.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Isa sa Tamang Paguugali na Dapat Makita sa mga Kapatid” for February 26, 2015)

Why is it the world is running in chaos? Why is it that the character of many people nowadays is very disappointing?

The present character of many people today is a fulfilment of what the Bible prophesied. People have become lovers of their own selves, lovers of money and material wealth, and this all prove that we are witnessing what the Bible had said, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self- control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

We shouldn’t be amazed why is this happening. The god of this world has influenced many people. Long before, it has been his task to turn people away from the true God and love the things of this world.

The feat of the god of this world is evident in the characters of many people today. This world is truly given to the hands of the wicked. Wickedness has conquered the world and its inhabitants. Today, many people are confused. They fail to see what is right from wrong. Sometimes, they take wrong things as correct because it is normally seen and done by people.

Perhaps the youth of today was seen to be one of the affected members of the society. They are growing up wrongly without morality. They are following the lust of their flesh, resulting to be young parents. Others learned to kill their babies (abortion) because they are scared of future responsibilities.

Some parents failed to teach them what is just and moral in the sight of God. They failed to lead their children towards God. Children listened to their peers instead of following the advise of their parents. More to this, the growing problems of drug addiction and prostitutions are very rampant today. People are trying to escape their present miseries but resulted to more despairs and desolations.

All of these are proofs that indeed the present time is a fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

However, not everyone is affected of these present miseries. There are those who make difference in their lives, character and actions. There are those who did not conform to the beliefs and principles of this world. They are trying to make a difference, because they are indeed different. They are the children of God, with different values and moralities in life because they have understanding of His words.

They know that there is a trait or characteristics that must be seen in them. The Bible says, “if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15) 

Those who were called unto the church of God have learned the character that is righteous, according to the truth of holiness. They were actually called to be holy and upright (1 Corinthians 1:1-2). Their primary goal is to become flawless, sanctified and become holy in the sight of God.

Although they know that they are living in this world full of iniquities, they avoid being defiled by the character, words, actions and principles of this current world, which are all deviations from the truth and holiness of life expected by God.

Their thoughts, actions and life plans are based on faith, that’s why they are called faithful. They do not behave rude and materialistic. They do not speak inappropriate. They know how to control their words and actions because they know that a little mistake can lead them to eternal damnation.

They prove that they learned from the words of God and appropriate to be called men of God as the Bible quted, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

And so, to all who were called and became part of this heavenly calling, let us show that we are indeed worthy of this calling, that we are really living according to what we have been called for, that we are really following the will and commands of the almighty Father, that we are really worthy of the glory of God given to us through Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:20-21) A true servant of God shows his worthiness as a special being before God.

Anything that is an abomination, defiled and wicked should no longer become part of our lives, and that, we make sure that we are living like we have been given a second chance to live our lives, according to the holiness and faithfulness, which are all pleasurable before God.

(Filipino translations)

Bakit ganito ang takbo ng sanlibutan? Bakit kakaiba ang nagiging ugali ng mga tao sa panahong ito?

Sa panahong ito, ang ugali ng tao ay naging katuparan ng hula ng Biblia. Naging maibigin ang marami sa kanilang sarili, naging makasarili, maibigin sa salapi at materyal na bagay, at ito ay walang dudang nasasaksihan natin sa panahong ito gaya nang pahayag, “Datapuwa’t alamin mo ito, na sa mga huling araw ay darating ang mga panahong mapanganib. Sapagka’t ang mga tao’y magiging maibigin sa kanilang sarili, maibigin sa salapi, mayayabang, mga mapagmalaki, mapagtungayaw, masuwayin sa mga magulang, mga walang turing, mga walang kabanalan, Walang katutubong pagibig, mga walang paglulubag, mga palabintangin, mga walang pagpipigil sa sarili, mga mabangis, hindi mga maibigin sa mabuti, Mga lilo, mga matitigas ang ulo, mga palalo, mga maibigin sa kalayawan kay sa mga maibigin sa Dios; Na may anyo ng kabanalan, datapuwa’t tinanggihan ang kapangyarihan nito: lumayo ka rin naman sa mga ito.” (2 Timoteo 3:1-5)

Hindi natin dapat ipagtaka pa ang kasalukuyang ugali ng mga tao. Ang mga ito ay mga impluwensiya na nagbuhat sa dios ng sanlibutang ito. Mula pa noon ay pilit niyang hinikayat ang maraming tao na itakuwil ang tunay na Dios at ibigin ang sarili at ang mga kalayawan ng sanlibutang ito.

Ang tagumpay ng dios ng sanlibutang ito ay hayag sa paguugali ng mga tao sa panahong ito. Tunay na naibigay sa kamay ng masama ang daigdig. Namamayagpag ang kasamaan sa sanlibutang ito at namamayani ang maraming kasamaan sa paligid. Kadalasan pa nga ay naimamarka sa isipan ng mga tao na mayroong mga ilang bagay na masama na nagiging mabuti sa kanilang paningin. Hanggang sa lubusan na nilang matanggap na ito ay normal lamang na gawin bagaman ito ay masama at kasalanan sa paningin ng Dios.

Ang mga kabataan sa sanlibutang ito ay natutong magsigawa ng pita ng kanilang mga laman. Kaya laganap ngayon ang mga batang nagiging magulang, maagang nagkakaroon ng anak. Laganap din ang pagkitil ng buhay (abortion) sa takot na magkaroon ng mabigat na pananagutan.

Mayroong mga magulang na naging malaki ang pagkukulang sa pagpapaalala, pagtuturo at patnugot sa kanilang mga anak, kung kaya’t ang mga anak ay nahayaang gumawa ng mga bagay sa sarili nilang kapasiyahan, at sa panghihikayat ng kanilang mga masasamang kaibigan. Dagdag pa dito ang lumalalang suliranin sa droga at prostitusyon na naging kanlungan ng marami upang takasan ang kanilang kasalukuyang kinasasadlakan.

Ang lahat ng ito ay hayag na nagpapatunay na nagaganap sa atin ang hinula ng Biblia tungkol sa panganib na idinulot ng pagbabago sa ugali ng mga tao sa kasalukuyang sanlibutan.

Subalit hindi naman lahat ay naapektuhan ng ganitong kalakaran ng sanlibutan. Mayroong ilan na nagiba ng kanilang gawi, kilos at karakter. Mayroong iba na hindi umayon sa kasalukuyang galaw ng sanlibutan. Sila ay yaong mga mayroong unawa sa kalooban at katuwiran ng Dios. Sila yaong mga nangatuto sa Kaniyang mga salita.

Alam nila na mayroong paguugali na dapat ugaliin ang isang mananampalataya, gaya nang sinabi, “upang maalaman mo kung paano ang dapat sa mga tao na ugaliin nila sa bahay ng Dios, na siyang iglesia ng Dios na buhay, at haligi at suhay ng katotohanan.” (1 Timoteo 3:15)

Ang mga naanib sa iglesia ng Dios ay tinuruan ng paguugaling hango sa katuwiran, sa katotohanan ng kabanalan, palibhasa’y tinawag na mangagbanal (1 Corinto 1:1-2). Ang kanilang naging pangunahing mithiin ay magpakalinis, magpakasakdal at maging banal sa paningin ng Dios na kanilang pinaglilingkuran.

Bagaman nasa sanlibutan, sinisikap nilang huwag silang mahawa ng mga paguugali, pananalita, pananaw at prinsipyo na hango lamang sa kaisipan ng tao, ligaw sa katuwiran at malayo sa kabanalan ng pamumuhay na hangad ng Dios na makita.

Ang kanilang pagiisip, pananalita at pananaw sa buhay ay ibinabase sa pananampalatayang kaloob ng Dios. Hindi sila naguugaling mahalay. Hindi sila nangungusap ng hindi nararapat. Nagiingat sa kanilang pananalita, kilos at pagpapasiya sa buhay sapagkat alam nilang maaaring ikapahamak ang maling kilos, salita at pasiya sa buhay.

Sa tuwina ay ipinakikitang tinuruan ng katuwiran mula sa mga Salita ng Dios na siyang nagpapakilalang sila ay mga tao ng Dios, gaya nang pahayag, “Ang lahat ng mga kasulatan na kinasihan ng Dios ay mapapakinabangan din naman sa pagtuturo, sa pagsansala, sa pagsaway, sa ikatututo na nasa katuwiran: Upang ang tao ng Dios ay maging sakdal, tinuruang lubos sa lahat ng mga gawang mabuti.” (2 Timoteo 3:17)

Sa lahat ng tinawag ng Dios, na naging bahagi sa dakilang pagtawag ng kalangitan, ipakita nating tayo ay tunay na may pagkakilala at naturuan alinsunod sa mga banal na aral ng ating Dakilang Ama, na ating tinanggap bilang karangalan mula sa Kaniya.

Kaya naman, ipakita nating tayo ay karangalan niyaong tumawag sa atin gaya nang sinabi, “Datapuwa’t sa isang malaking bahay ay hindi lamang may mga sisidlang ginto at pilak, kundi mayroon din namang kahoy at lupa; at ang iba’y sa ikapupuri, at ang iba’y sa ikasisirang- puri. Kung ang sinoman nga ay malinis sa alin man sa mga ito, ay magiging sisidlang ikapupuri, pinakabanal, marapat gamitin ng mayari, nahahanda sa lahat ng gawang mabuti.” (2 Timoteo 2:20-21)

Anumang gawang marumi, mali at kasalanan ay huwag nang masumpungan na ating binabalikan, bagkus ipakita nating tayo ay gaya nang mga nangabuhay na maguli sa panibagong buhay gaya nang inaasahan sa atin ng ating Panginoong Dios.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Aklat na Hahatol sa Tao sa Kapahamakan” for March 1, 2015)

Man’s purpose is to do good works according to the Bible. It says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10)

The good works that God wants us to walk on are His commands (Romans 7:12). Thus, it is written that the whole duty of mankind is to have fear of the Lord and walk according to His statutes (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

However, many people failed to fulfil his purpose in life because of the lack of understanding of the Scriptures. They did not follow what the will of the Lord is; instead, they followed their own will and do wickedness before the Lord. The Bible says, “This alone have I discovered: God made humankind upright, but they have sought many evil schemes.” (Ecclesiastes 7:29)

What many people failed to know and understand is that after they were given the freedom to live their lives on earth, they will have to face God at the appointed time of Judgment day, and there, they will be judged according to what they have done. The Bible tells us, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

Man cannot escape this appointed time of Judgment day. Soon, everyone would face it.

The Bible, the book of God, considered as the manual or guidebook of every human being teaches us how to live this life according to its purpose. This book is God’s instrument to enlighten us and give us the understanding of His will. It guides us and can lead us to eternal life. This is the reason why we need to read, search and understand everything that is written in the Scriptures.

Unknown to many, the Bible is one of the books that will be used to judge people. Christ says, “the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.” (John 12:48) To give additional proof, Apostle Paul says, “This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.” (Romans 2:16)

Aside from the book of God, which is the Bible, the book of the Revelations tells us that Apostle John saw something that would happen in the future. There were books that will be opened. These books are the books of deeds of every human being. All our deeds are written in those books and it shall be opened at the appointed time and will be used to judge us. The book is called the book of life. Since the book of life contained all the recorded deeds we have done on earth, then no one shall escape God’s judgment.

The Bible tells us, “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelations 20:12-13, 15)

God knows everything about us. They are all written in the book of life, which we, as humans responsible for what is written there. If we do good deeds, it will be written there. Likewise, if we did wicked things. It shall be opened at the appointed time.

Is the book of God, and the book of Life aimed to lead us to eternal damnation? The answer to this question is a big NO! The Bible and the book of life did not aim to lead us to eternal destruction. In fact, the Bible advises us to go back to the Lord if we are turning away from Him. People are turning away from God because they do not listen to His words. People only listen to themselves.

The Bible tells us that it is God’s will that mankind should know His truth and be saved (1 Timothy 2:3-4). Therefore, God doesn’t want us to be put to eternal damnation. God wants us to be with Him eternally in heaven.

In fact, the Bible says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)

Anyone who reads and keeps the words written in the book of God will be blessed because they will receive what God had promised, that is, to become successful. The success mentioned here is not only in terms of material aspect, but also more on the spiritual side of our lives, which is the most important thing for a faithful. God expects His faithful to obey and follow His will and commands.

The Bible tells us that the man of God is someone who listens and obeys His words. Those who are not of God is of the Devil, obeying what the Devil wants and desires. They can be easily known and detected because what they follow is against the teaching of the Scriptures. They only obey their own will and desires. They believe that anything is fine with God. What they do not know is that not everything is pleasurable and according to the desires of God.

Unfortunately, these false teachings are prevalent today. They have misled many people putting their souls at risk. There are many instruments of false teachings today. Their aim is to deceive many people and turn them away from the truth and from God. Sad to say, many people have been deceived. They have been following now the wrong doctrines and teachings. Destructions await those people who have been deceived by these false teachings, unless of course God will bring mercy to them.

To those who have received mercy from God, they will be blessed if they keep the teachings and their faith in God. They will have good end as the Bible promised. Not only that, but because they became part of His body, which is the church of God, and was purchased by His own blood, they will definitely be treated as God’s children worthy to be heirs of His Kingdom.

Finally, God expects us to remain in Him and in His words, as well as to remain as good followers of His will and commands. We should not let ourselves be deceived again by the deceits of this world because we have already escaped it. However, we need to be vigilant and be careful not to be overcome by worldly temptations. Let us make the Scriptures as our daily inspirations to accomplish what is needed to be done in order to become worthy of the eternal life.

(Filipino Translations)

Ang tao ay nilikha ng Dios upang lumakad sa gawang mabuti (Efeso 2:10). Malaon nang panahon ay inihanda ang daang ito upang lakaran ng tao, subalit maraming tao ang nagsigawa ng masama sa paningin ng Dios. Ang mabuting pinalalakaran ay ang mga kautusan ng Dios (Roma 7:12). Ang tanging naging tungkulin ng tao ay magkaroon ito ng takot sa Dios at sumunod sa Kaniyang mga utos (Eclesiastes 12:13).

Lumakad ang tao sa sarili nitong kagustuhan, papalayo sa tunay na Dios. At dahil sa kaisipang ito, nagkamali ang tao ng landas na kaniyang tinahak. Hindi siya tumalima sa layunin ng pagkakalikha sa kaniya ng Dios. Bumaling siya sa kaniyang sariling katha, bagaman ang pagkakalikha sa kaniya ng Dios ay matuwid at mabuti (Eclesiastes 7:29).

Ang hindi alam ng maraming tao, pagkatapos na ibigay sa kaniya ang kalayaang mabuhay sa ibabaw ng sanlibutang ito ay ang pananagutang pagdating ng takdang panahon ay kailangan niya itong ipagbigay sulit sa harap ng Dios na siyang lumikha sa kaniya. Sinabi ng Biblia, “Ito ang wakas ng bagay; lahat ay narinig: ikaw ay matakot sa Dios, at sundin mo ang kaniyang mga utos; sapagka’t ito ang buong katungkulan ng tao. Sapagka’t dadalhin ng Dios ang bawa’t gawa sa kahatulan, pati ng bawa’t kubling bagay, maging ito’y mabuti o maging ito’y masama.” (Eclesiastes 12:13-14) 

Kalakip ng buhay na ibinigay ay ang pagharap sa Dios upang ipagbigay sulit ang lahat ng ginawa nito sa sanlibutan, maging ito man ay mabuti o masama, hayag man o kubling bagay.

Ang Aklat ng Dios, ang Biblia, na siyang tinatawag na manual o guidebook ay siyang nagtuturo sa tao upang maunawa nito ang layunin ng Dios sa pagkakalikha sa kaniya. Ang Biblia ay kasangkapan upang imulat ang tao sa pagkaunawa patungkol sa mga kalooban ng Dios sa ating mga tao. Ito ang gagabay, magtutuwid at maghahatid sa atin patungo sa ikapagigindapat sa ating Panginoong Dios. Kaya’t marapat itong saliksikin, basahin, unawain at sampalatayanan.

Ang hindi alam ng marami, ang Biblia ay isa sa magiging kasangkapan ng Dios sa paghatol sa tao. Sinabi ng Panginoong Hesus, “ang salitang aking sinalita, ay siyang sa kaniya’y hahatol sa huling araw.” (Juan 12:48) Bilang katunayan, idinagdag ni Apostol Pablo, “Sa araw na hahatulan ng Dios ang mga lihim ng mga tao, ayon sa aking evangelio, sa pamamagitan ni Jesucristo.” (Roma 2:16)

Bukod pa dito ang ibang mga aklat na binabanggit sa Apocalipsis na bubuksan sa araw na yaon. Ang mga aklat na yaon ay ang mga aklat ng ating mga ginawa sa ibabaw ng sanlibutang ito. Mayroong tala ang bawat gawa na ating ginagawa, ito man ay mabuti o masama. Gaya nang pahayag, “At nakita ko ang mga patay, malalaki at maliliit, na nangakatayo sa harapan ng luklukan; at nangabuksan ang mga aklat: at nabuksan ang ibang aklat, na siyang aklat ng buhay:at ang mga patay ay hinatulan ayon sa mga bagay na nasusulat sa mga aklat, ayon sa kanilang mga gawa. At ibinigay ng dagat ang mga patay na nasa kaniya; at ibinigay ng kamatayan at ng Hades ang mga patay na nasa kanila:at sila’y hinatulan bawa’t tao ayon sa kanikaniyang mga gawa… At kung ang sinoman ay hindi nasumpungang nakasulat sa aklat ng buhay, ay ibinulid sa dagatdagatang apoy.” (Apocalipsis 20:12-13, 15)

Talastas ng Dios ang bawat gawa na ating ginawa sa silong ng langit, kung bakit, sapagkat ang lahat ay natatala sa aklat ng ating mga gawa. At ang mga aklat na ito ay bubuksan sa takdang araw na ang tao ay huhukuman ng Dios.

Sadya bang layunin ng mga aklat na ito na iuwi sa paghatol at pagkapahamak ang tao? Sa katotohanan, hindi. Ang Biblia sa katunayan ay nagpapaalala sa bawat tao sa kanilang mga kamalian. Ang Biblia din ay nagpapahayag na kailangang magbalik loob ng tao sa Dios sapagkat siya ay nalalayo sa Kaniya bunga ng kaniyang mga pagsalansang.

Ang Biblia din ang nagsasabi na hangad ng Dios na ang bawat tao ay makaalam ng katuwiran at katotohanan upang magtamo ito ng kaligtasan (1 Timoteo 2:3-4). Samakatuwid, ayaw ng Dios na tayo ay mapahamak at mahatulan sa walang hanggang parusa pagdating ng araw. Ang gusto ng Dios ay magtamo tayo ng kaligtasan at makapiling Siya sa Kaniyang kaharian.

Bilang katunayan, sinabi ng Biblia, “Ang aklat na ito ng kautusan ay huwag mahihiwalay sa iyong bibig, kundi iyong pagbubulayan araw at gabi, upang iyong masunod na gawin ang ayon sa lahat na nakasulat dito: sapagka’t kung magkagayo’y iyong pagiginhawahin ang iyong lakad, at kung magkagayo’y magtatamo ka ng mabuting kawakasan.” (Josue 1:8)

Kaya’t sinumang bumabasa ng mga aklat ng Panginoon, at binubulaybulay ito araw at gabi, at ito ay tinatalima ay mapalad, sapagkat tatamuhin nito ang pangako ng Dios, samakatuwid ay ang pagkakaroon ng mabuting wakas. At ang inaasahan ng Dios na tatalima dito ay walang iba kundi ang tumanggap sa Kaniyang nga salita, sumampalataya at inaring Kaniyang mga anak.

Ang sa Dios ay nakikinig at ginaganap ang mga salita ng Dios. Ang hindi sa Dios ay sa Diablo, at ang kanilang ginaganap ay ang kalooban nito at hindi ang sa Dios. Madaling makilala ang mga ito. Laban sa katotohanan at sariling kagustuhan ang kanilang ginawang basehan ng pagtalima at pagkilala sa Dios.

Nakalulungkot lamang, sapagkat mayroong mga nadaya ng mga maling aral. Mayroong mga naging kasangkapan ang kalaban ng Dios upang iligaw ang marami. At marami ang naligaw sa katotohanan. Maling aral ang kanilang tinatalima at hindi ang mga aral na mula sa Dios. Sa madaling sabi, kasinungalingan at hindi katotohanan ang kanilang tinatalima. Sila’y mga nadaya ng Diablo. At naghihintay na lamang ang kapahamakan sa kanila, malibang dumating ang araw na sila ay kahabagan ng Dios, at sila’y tawagin din sa paglilingkod sa Kaniya.

Sa panig ng mga nagtamo ng habag, mapalad ang nananatili sa Kaniya at sa Kaniyang mga aral. Sapagkat ang mga ito ay mabuting kawakasan ang naghihintay. Ang mga kinahabagan ng Dios ay mapalad sapagkat hindi lamang habag ang kanilang tinamo. Tinubos din sila ng mahalagang dugo ng Panginoong Hesus. Iniugnay sila sa Kaniyang katawan, na siyang iglesia ng Dios upang sila ay mabuhay nang nararapat na may kabanalan at katotohanan.

Sa huli, ay inaasahan ng Dios na ang mga ito ay mananatili sa pagkakatawag sa kanila hanggang sa Kaniyang muling pagbabalik. Hindi kaylanman tayo dapat pumayag na pagkatapos nating takasan ang dati nating buhay ay muli pa tayong mahalubiluhan ng kasamaan. Ipakikita natin na hindi na tayo muling madadaya pa ng kalaban ng Dios. Sa ganito, ay dapat magingat tayo sapagkat sa dami ng tukso sa sanlibutang ito ay baka dumating ang araw na tayo ay madaig pa. Huwag nawang mangyari.

Ang aklat ng Dios na hahatol sa tao ay gawin nating gabay at inspirasyon upang marating natin ang ating pinakamimithi, ang pangakong buhay na walang hanggan.

(From the Sermon entitled, “Ang Bagong Langit at Bagong Lupa na Tinatahanan ng Katuwiran,” for dates March 5 and 8, 2015)

It is without question that many people nowadays lack understanding of the will of God. People did not have time to study the Holy Scriptures because they don’t find it interesting and helpful in their lives. No wonder, they do not know the plans of the Lord.

An example of this is our topic about the new heaven and the new earth. What does the Bible tells us about the new heaven and the new earth? The Bible tells us, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13) 

One of the most sought promises of God to all faithful is the new heaven and the new earth. But, when will this happen or come? What does the Bible tells us about this new heaven and new earth?

The Bible reveals, “as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.” (2 Peter 3:12) Apostle Peter tells us that on the day of God, the heavens and the earth we see today will no longer exist. It will be destroyed by fire and be melted. Why will it be melted? What is the plan of God about the earth? Or to the heavens that we see now?

Apostle Peter further explains that the heavens and the earth we see now is reserved unto fire. God will destroy all the wickedness of this earth and that includes not only the people, but as well as the heavens and the earth that we see today. In fact, Peter says, “By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of the ungodly.” (2 Peter 3:6-7)

Why is this going to happen? Is this what He originally planned when He created earth and all of the other creations? The truth is, this is not what God really wanted to happen. The original plan of God for men is to let them live eternally in the Garden of Eden.

However, when sin entered because of the devil’s deceits, death came to men. The effect of sin to mankind is death (Romans 6:23). Therefore, the eternal life, which was originally given to mankind, was taken away from mankind because mankind has committed sin against God. Death (physical) came to men.

Not only this happened to mankind when it committed sin against God, the pure thoughts of mankind slowly became corrupted and wicked. The deceits of the devil slowly took over the minds and hearts of many people. Darkness covered the brightness of this world. People were lost and turned away from God’s will and commands. They followed the desires of their own hearts and did not accept God’s rebukes. They followed the teachings of the devil, which led them astray.

We should not really wonder why these things are happening now with many people. From the start, people have evaded the truth and they walk on the path of their own righteousness, away from the righteousness of God. Since the path that they are trying to walk on is wrong, we should not expect that it’s going to become right and will make reparations for their lives. What people think is not always right. Usually it will lead them to destructions and death. The Bible clearly says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 16:25)

The world’s poverty and chaos that we experience and see are nothing but a simple effect of the mistakes of the earlier people. And these mistakes are what people nowadays are continuously walking into. The world is heading to its destructions (Matthew 24:3-8, 21-22).

Even if people seek peace and progress towards prosperity, unfortunately, the present world has no hope and chance at all. The world was given to the hands of the wicked, ultimately, it is now waiting for destructions.

People might think that we are being too harsh about the current earth’s conditions. The hopelessness is not an invention coming from us. The earth and everything on it will pass away, but the words of God will not. We are just telling the ultimate truth and people might hope for a better world, but it will not come.

People might seek peace; chaos and destructions will continue to come. The Bible tells us, “‘Peace, peace,’ they say,

when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:14) Apostle Paul also tells us, “While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3)

Examine the present condition of life today. According to Apostle Paul, in the end times people will be lovers of their own selves, money and will become disobedient to their parents. They lost time to examine the will of God, and so we should not wonder why the world has become dangerous (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

If we ask the Bible, is there a hope for this present world? The Bible answers this negatively. The Decision of God is final. It is waiting to be executed. The end of the life on earth is very near. The Bible tells us, “The Lord, the Lord Almighty, will carry out the destruction decreed upon the whole land.” (Isaiah 10:23)

Our God is a jealous God, and He will bring destruction to earth because people made Him jealous, “Therefore wait for me,” declares the Lord, “for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them— all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger.” (Zephaniah 4:8)

How will God bring His anger to earth?

The earth and the heavens that we see now will be gone soon. The fire will consume everything on earth. All will be melted and waisted. The Bible tells us, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” (2 Peter 3:10)

What should we do now to escape God’s wrath here on earth?

The Bible’s answer to this is simple. We should not conform to this world. Our thoughts and actions should be different from what the world is doing today (Romans 12:2). We should avoid things that will make God jealous and angry, and let us do what He desires for us to do, to be holy and perfect in His sight.

The prophesy of the Bible is clear, the wicked will continue to be wicked, and the holy will continue to be holy. We should choose what is best for us. Let us choose what can give us victory and triumph over the wickedness of this current world. The Bible tells us, “Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.” (Revelations 22:10-12)

If the earth today is just waiting for its destructions, faithful are waiting for God’s promise. The reward will be given to those who believe and overcome everything when He comes back. However, the wrath of His punishment will also be given to those who did not recognize and did not follow His will.

Faithful do not hope for what they see. They know that things that are seen will eventually end. Things that are unseen are eternal. Faithful hope for things that are unseen and eternal. What we wait and hope for now is the promise of the Lord, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13)

When Christ comes, He will take all His followers and believers with Him in heaven and will be rewarded with everlasting life. Those who are dead will be resurrected to receive the eternal life. The Bible tells us, “According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)

The Bible describes how the faithful will experience the new heaven and the new earth, all designed especially for them. The book of the Revelations reveals, “Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelations 21:1-5)

Let us remember that being holy and being sanctified are a very important task that we should fulfill presently. The future of our souls depends on how we seek to be righteous today. Also, remember that no abominations shall enter the kingdom of heaven (Revelations 21:27), therefore doing good and holy deeds are indeed very important.

The Bible emphasizes, “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

We should try to follow Paul’s advise, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5) 

Putting to death all earthly nature means avoiding and throwing it all away from our lives. We should be training ourselves to holiness to be able to become triumphant. Apostle Paul says, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

(Filipino Translations)

Maraming mga tao ang kaunti lamang ang kaalaman pagdating sa mga bagay na magaganap sa hinaharap. Hindi naman ito nakapagtataka sapagkat marami walang panahon pagdating sa mga kalooban ng Dios. Ang mga tao ay hindi naging interesado sa mga bagay na nakasulat sa Biblia, na siyang naging dahilang upang hindi nila maunawaan ang mga plano ng Dios.

Gaya halimbawa ng tinutukoy natin sa araling ito, ang Biblia ay may binabanggit na bagong langit at bagong lupa. Ano nga ba ang kahulugan ng mga ito? Bakit may bagong langit at may bagong lupa? Ano ang dapat nating maunawaan at maintindihan tungkol dito?

Sinabi ng Biblia, “Nguni’t, ayon sa kaniyang pangako, ay naghihintay tayo ng bagong langit at ng bagong lupa, na tinatahanan ng katuwiran.” (2 Pedro 3:13) Samakatuwid, isa sa mga hinihintay ng mga lingkod ng Dios ang bagong langit at ang bagong lupa bilang katuparan ng pangako ng ating dakilang Dios. Kailan at paano magaganap ito?

Sinabi ng Biblia, “Na ating hinihintay at pinakananasa ang pagdating ng kaarawan ng Dios, na dahil dito’y ang sangkalangitan na nagniningas ay mapupugnaw, at ang mga bagay sa langit ay matutunaw sa matinding init.” (2 Pedro 3:12) Pagdating ng kaarawan ng Panginoong Dios, ang langit at lupa na nakikita natin ngayon ay hindi na natin makikita pang muli, sapagkat ito ay magniningas at mapupugnaw sa matinding init. Bakit kailangang ito ay mapugnaw sa matinding init? Ano ang nakatalagang maganap sa sanlibutang ito? Sa langit at lupa na nakikita natin sa kasalukuyan?

Ang langit at lupa na nakikita natin ngayon ay nakalaan sa apoy sa araw ng paghuhukom at paglipol ng Dios sa mga taong masasama. Katunayan sinabi ng Biblia, “Na sa pamamagitan din nito ang sanglibutan noon, na inapawan ng tubig, ay napahamak: Nguni’t ang sangkalangitan ngayon, at ang lupa, sa pamamagitan ng gayon ding salita ay iningatang talaga sa apoy, na itinataan sa araw ng paghuhukom at ng paglipol sa mga taong masama.” (3 Pedro 3:6-7)

Bakit kailangang humantong sa ganitong kalagayan? Ito ba ang sadyang kalooban ng Dios nang Kaniyang pasimulang lalangin ang tao sa ibabaw ng sanlibutang ito? Sa katunayan, hindi ito ang orihinal na plano ng Dios nang likhain Niya ang tao. Ang tao ay nakatakda sanang mabuhay nang walang hanggan sa paraiso ng Eden na pinaglagyan sa kanila.

Subalit, nang pumasok ang kasalanan dahilan sa pandaraya ng Diablo, nagkaroon ng kamatayan ang tao. Ang naging kabayaran ng kanilang pagkakasala ay ang kamatayan (Roma 6:23). Samakatuwid, ang dapat sanang walang hanggang buhay na tinatamasa ng tao sa hardin ng Eden ay naglaho mula nang sila ay magkasala sa ating Panginoong Dios. Nagkaroon ng hangganan ang buhay ng tao sa pagkakaroon ng pisikal na kamatayan.

Hindi lamang ito ang idinulot ng pagkakasala ng tao. Ang malinis na pagiisip ng tao ay unti-unting napalitan ng kasamaan. Ang panunukso ng Diablo ay nagawang makapagtagumpay sa tao. Natakpan ng kadiliman ang liwanag na bumabalot sa sanlibutan. Ang mga tao ay tunay na naligaw sa palatuntunan ng Dios. Kanilang tinalima ang kanilang sariling katuwiran at tinaggihan ang mga aral at katotohanan ng Dios. Kanilang tinalima ang mga aral ng Diablo na nagligaw sa kanilang mga puso papalayo sa mga tunay na kalooban ng Dios.

Kaya’t hindi nakapagtataka kung bakit ganito ang naging likas na ugali ng mga tao sa sanlibutan. Umpisa pa lamang ay mali na ang landas na kanilang tinatahak at ito ay papalayo sa Dios. At dahil mali na sa pasimula pa lamang, huwag tayong umasa na magiging tumpak ito at magdudulot sa tao ng maayos na pamumuhay. Ang inaakala ng taong matuwid ay hindi tunay na matuwid, manapa, ito ang maghahatid sa kanila sa kapahamakan. Sinabi ng Biblia, “May daan na tila matuwid sa tao, nguni’t ang dulo niyaon ay mga daan ng kamatayan.” (Kawikaan 16:25)

Ang mga kahirapan at kaguluhang ating nararanasan at nakikita sa kasalukuyan ay epekto na lamang ng mga pagkakamaling nilakaran ng mga tao. At ang mga pagkakamaling ito ay patuloy na tinatahak ng marami sa ngayon. Patungo sa tiyak na kapahamakan ang sanlibutang ito. (Mateo 24: 3-8, 21-22)

Bagaman sikapin ng marami na magkaroon ng kapayapaan, katiwasayan at pagunlad, nakalulungkot sabihin, subalit wala nang pag-asa ang kasalukuyang sanlibutang ito. Palibhasa’y naibigay na sa masama ang sanlibutang ito, naghihintay na lamang ang tuluyan nitong pagkawasak.

Maaaring sabihin ng ilan na masyado naman tayong malupit sa pagsasalita tungkol sa kalagayan ng sanlibutang ito. Subalit, hindi sa atin nagmula ang kawalan ng pagasang ito. Ang sanlibutang ito ay lilipas at ang lahat ng mga bagay na naririto, ngunit ang mga salita ng Dios ay hindi kailanman lilipas.

Kahit sikapin ng tao na magtamo ng kapayapaan sa lupa, kaguluhan pa din ang makikita nito. Gaya nang pahayag, “na sinasabi, Kapayapaan, kapayapaan; gayon ma’y walang kapayapaan.” (Jeremias 6:14) Ganito din ang pahayag ni Apostol Pablo, “Pagka sinasabi ng mga tao, Kapayapaan at katiwasayan, kung magkagayo’y darating sa kanila ang biglang pagkawasak, na gaya ng pagdaramdam, sa panganganak ng babaing nagdadalang- tao; at sila’y hindi mangakatatanan sa anomang paraan.” (1 Tesalonica 5:3)

Dagdag pa dito ang hula ni Pablo tungkol sa naging kaasalan ng maraming tao. Sila ay naging maibigin sa kanilang sarili, sa salapi at naging masuwayin sa kanilang mga magulang. Nawalan ang tao ng panahon upang siyasatin ang kalooban ng Dios kung kaya’t hindi dapat pagtakhan kung bakit ang sanlibutang ito ay naging mapanganib (2 Timoteo 3:1-5).

Kung tatanungin natin ang Biblia, may pagasa pa ba ang kasalukuyang sanlibutan? Ang sagot ng Biblia, wala nang pagasa. Nakapagpasiya na ang Dios, darating ang kawakasan sa lupa gaya nang sinabi, “Sapagka’t ang kagibaan, at ang ipinasiya, gagawin ng Panginoon, ng Panginoon ng mga hukbo, sa gitna ng buong lupa.” (Isaias 10:23)

Ang Dios ay mapanibughuing Dios at Kaniyang ibubuhos ang malaking galit bunga ng Kaniyang paninibugho sa tao gaya nang sinabi, “Kaya’t hintayin ninyo ako, sabi ng Panginoon, hanggang sa kaarawan na ako’y bumangon sa panghuhuli; sapagka’t ang aking pasiya ay pisanin ang mga bansa, upang aking mapisan ang mga kaharian, upang maibuhos ko sa kanila ang aking kagalitan, sa makatuwid baga’y ang aking buong mabangis na galit; sapagka’t ang buong lupa ay sasakmalin, ng silakbo ng aking paninibugho.” (Zefanias 3:8)

Paano ipalalasap ng Dios ang malaking galit dito sa lupa?

Ang lupa at langit na ating nakikita ay hindi na natin muling makikita pa. Kaya’t ang apoy ang magbibigay ng kawakasan dito sa lupa. Sinabi ito ng Biblia, “Datapuwa’t darating ang araw ng Panginoon na gaya ng magnanakaw; na ang sangkalangitan sa araw na iyan ay mapaparam na kasabay ng malaking ugong, at ang mga bagay sa langit ay mapupugnaw sa matinding init, at ang lupa at ang mga gawang nasa lupa ay pawang masusunog.” (2 Pedro 3:10) 

Ano ngayon ang dapat nating pagsikapan upang tayo ay malingid sa dakilang kagalitang ipalalasap ng Dios dito sa ibabaw ng sanlibutan?

Ang sagot ng Biblia ay simple lamang. Huwag tayong makiayon sa sanlibutang ito. Magiba tayo ng pagiisip upang makita ang malaking kaibahan natin sa takbo ng kaisipan at gawi ng maraming mga tao (Roma 12:2). Layuan natin ang mga bagay na tunay na ikinagagalit ng Dios at pagsikapan nating maging banal sa Kaniyang harapan, bagay na nakaligtaang gawin ng marami.

Ang hula ng Biblia ay maliwanag, marami ang magpapakasama pa at ang mga matuwid naman ay magpapakatuwid pa. Mamimili lamang tayo kung saan tayo lulugar. Sikapin nating doon tayo mapapabilang sa mga makapagtatagumpay. Gaya nang sinasabi, “Ang liko, ay magpakaliko pa:at ang marumi, ay magpakarumi pa:at ang matuwid, ay magpakatuwid pa:at ang banal, ay magpakabanal pa. Narito, ako’y madaling pumaparito; at ang aking ganting- pala ay nasa akin, upang bigyan ng kagantihan ang bawa’t isa ayon sa kaniyang gawa.” (Apocalipsis 22:10-12)

Kung ang sanlibutang ito ay naghihintay na lamang sa apoy na susupok sa kaniya, tayo namang mga lingkod ay naghihintay sa pangako ng ating dakilang Dios. Nakalaan ang gantimpala sa mga nagtapat sa Kaniyang muling pagbabalik. Nakalaan din ang parusa sa kanilang mga hindi kumilala at tumalima sa Kaniyang mga kalooban.

Hindi tayo umaasa sa sanlibutang ito na ating nakikita sa sanlibutan, sapagkat ito ay may kawakasan. Gaya nang sinabi ng Biblia, tayo ay umaasa sa mga bagay na hindi nakikita sapagkat yaong mga bagay na nakikita ay may hangganan ngunit yaong mga bagay na hindi nakikita ay magpakaylanman.

Ang ating hinihintay ay ang pangakong ipakikita sa atin ang bagong langit at bagong lupa, “Nguni’t, ayon sa kaniyang pangako, ay naghihintay tayo ng bagong langit at ng bagong lupa, na tinatahanan ng katuwiran.” (2 Pedro 3:13)

Pagparito ng Panginoong Hesus, kukunin Niya ang Kaniyang mga lingkod at lahat ng mga nagtapat sa Kaniya ay muling mabubuhay na maguli upang Kaniyang kaunin. Gaya nang nakasaad, “Sapagka’t ito’y sinasabi namin sa inyo sa salita ng Panginoon, na tayong nangabubuhay, na nangatitira hanggang sa pagparito ng Panginoon, ay hindi tayo mangauuna sa anomang paraan sa nangatutulog. Sapagka’t ang Panginoon din ang bababang mula sa langit, na may isang sigaw, may tinig ng arkanghel, at may pakakak ng Dios:at ang nangamatay kay Cristo ay unang mangabubuhay na maguli; Kung magkagayon, tayong nangabubuhay, na nangatitira, ay aagawing kasama nila sa mga alapaap, upang salubungin ang Panginoon sa hangin:at sa ganito’y sasa Panginoon tayo magpakailan man” (1 Tesalonica 4:15-17)

Ganito inilarawan ng Biblia ang bagong langit at ang bagong lupa na siyang magiging palad ng Kaniyang mga lingkod. Sinabi ng Biblia, “At nakita ko ang isang bagong langit at ang isang bagong lupa: sapagka’t ang unang langit at ang unang lupa ay naparam; at ang dagat ay wala na. At nakita ko ang bayang banal, ang bagong Jerusalem, na nananaog mula sa langit buhat sa Dios, na nahahandang gaya ng isang babaing kasintahan na nagagayakang talaga sa kaniyang asawa. At narinig ko ang isang malakas na tinig na mula sa luklukan, na nagsasabi, Narito, ang tabernakulo ng Dios ay nasa mga tao, at siya’y mananahan sa kanila, at sila’y magiging mga bayan niya, at ang Dios din ay sasa kanila, at magiging Dios nila: At papahirin niya ang bawa’t luha sa kanilang mga mata; at hindi na magkakaroon ng kamatayan; hindi na magkakaroon pa ng dalamhati, o ng pananambitan man, o ng hirap pa man:ang mga bagay nang una ay naparam na. At yaong nakaluklok sa luklukan ay nagsabi, Narito, ginagawa kong bago ang lahat ng mga bagay. At sinabi niya, Isulat mo: sapagka’t ang mga salitang ito ay tapat at tunay.” (Apocalipsis 21:1-5) 

Tandaan lamang natin na mahalaga ang pagpapakabanal at pagpapakalinis na ating kasalukuyang pinagsisikapang gawin sa kasalukuyan. Dito nakadepende ang magiging kapalaran ng ating kaluluwa pagdating ng takdang panahon. Alalahanin nating walang anumang bagay na karumaldumal na papasok sa kaharian ng langit (Apocalipsis 21:27), kung kaya’t mahalaga ang paggawa ng kabanalan at pagsisikap na maging karapatdapat sa Kaniya.

Walang liko na magmamana ng kaharian ng Dios. Tanging mga matuwid lamang ang magiging karapatdapat. Kaya’t sinabi ng Biblia, “O hindi baga ninyo nalalaman na ang mga liko ay hindi magsisipagmana ng kaharian ng Dios? Huwag kayong padaya: kahit ang mga mapakiapid, ni ang mga mananamba sa diosdiosan, ni ang mga mangangalunya, ni ang mga nangbababae, ni ang mga mapakiapid sa kapuwa lalake. Ni ang mga magnanakaw, ni ang mga masasakim, ni ang mga manglalasing, ni ang mga mapagtungayaw, ni ang mga manglulupig, ay hindi mangagmamana ng kaharian ng Dios.” (1 Corinto 6:9-10) 

Kaya’t patayin natin ang mga sangkap na maaaring makapigil sa atin sa ikasasakdal sa harap ng Dios (Colosas 3:5). Ang ibig sabihin ng patayin ay pagsikapang alisin sa ating likas na paguugali. Sanayin natin ang ating sarili sa paggawa ng kabanalan at katotohanan, kung magkagayon ay makapagtagumpay tayo gaya nang sinasabi, “Datapuwa’t itakuwil mo ang mga kathang masasama at walang kabuluhan. At magsanay ka sa kabanalan: Sapagka’t sa pagsasanay ng katawan ay may kaunting pakinabang, nguni’t ang kabanalang sa lahat ng mga bagay ay pinakikinabangan, na may pangako sa buhay na ito, at sa darating.” (1 Timoteo 4:7-8)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Dapat Malaman ng Sinuman Tungkol sa mga Pamamahala o Pangangasiwa sa Loob ng IDKH” for March 12 and 15, 2015)

Any organization needs a leadership or an administration. It will be chaotic and unruly without management. Leaders are supposed to be the guide, which lead all members towards a certain goal.

In the Bible, the administration or leadership was given to the church for the purpose of orderliness in all things especially in matters of faith and serving God. It was given so that all members could exercise unity unto the church of God. The Apostle Paul says, “And God has placed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, gifts of healing, helps, gifts of leadership… “ (1 Corinthians 12:28)

Leadership is an element of the church membership to avoid divisions among members. Therefore, leaders are a glue that put together all other members of the church. Apostle Paul says, “…so that there may be no division in the body, but the members may have mutual concern for one another.” (1 Corinthians 12:25)

If there are divisions, no organization will remain standing. The church of God remains because it is bonded with the unity of peace. Any house that is divided will be destroyed, and we, as the church, are the house of God, dwelled with the Spirit of God (Ephesians 2:19-22), which was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. Jesus built it and until now it is He who heads its administration.

Let us examine this. What are the things that could be a factor on creating divisions among the members of the church of God?

There are many factors that can create divisions among the members of the church. Primarily, the Bible says that false teachings or false faith can create splits among members. Paul, the Apostle of the Gentile people tells us in his letter, “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you…” (1 Corinthians 11:18-19) Heresies here mean deviations from the true teachings of God.

Of course, if there is a deviation from the true teachings, which also happened during the time of the Apostles, it could always lead to divisions among members. These divisions are evident in Paul’s writings. He wrote, “What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? “ (1 Corinthians 1:12-13)

The divisions created jealousy and debates among members of the early church. Some of them had their own favorite. (1 Corinthians 3:3-4) There have been numerous reasons of divisons among the members. This should not be seen from members because these false teachings, divisions, jealousy and quarelling are all wordly attitude. These did not come from God. It came from the enemy of God, the Devil (James 3:14-16) 

This is the reason why we need people who would lead us and turn us away from these wordly characters. Leaders and Preachers’ responsibilities are to put away wrong attitudes of members. Among the primary duties of these leaders are the following:

• Teachers of sound doctrine, “I will give you leaders a who will be faithful to me. b They will lead you with knowledge and insight.” (Jeremiah 3:15)
• Given to strengthen the faith of the members, “about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down” (2 Corinthians 10:8)
• Given so that members achieve perfection of faith, “For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.” (Romans 13:4)

The government and leadership were given to the church (1 Corinthians 12:5). Some were given the spirit of wisdom and knowledge so they can impart it to the members (1 Corinthians 12:8). Some were given the gifts of healing (1 Corinthians 12:9). Others the spirit of doing miraculous powers, distinguish spirits, prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:9-10). They do all these things in one spirit.

Leaders should be righteous to their duties. They act as models among members. Usually, members look on them and make them as guide in serving God. Leaders should be equipped with the knowledge and wisdom of the teachings of the Lord. However, he should not be confined with only possessing the knowledge and wisdom of the words of God, a leader should also be a good leader in his own family or household. The Bible tells us, “(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) – 1 Timothy 3:5.

Therefore, a leader should have good testimony from his household. Apostle Paul also tells us, “the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self- controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.” (1 Timothy 3:2-4)

A good leader also is a good provider for the needs of his family members. Paul tells us, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)

No one is expected to put respect and recognition to the church leaders except the members of the church. The sacrifices, good deeds and patience of all leaders should be repaid by obedience and assistance to their holy obligations. The Bible tells us, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17)

How can we show our respect and recognition to our leaders? Members should learn to love their leaders. Show of love makes their leaders strong in performing their duties. They are happy when members are listening and obeying their advises. Apostle Paul always gives emphasis on giving high respect to leaders of the church. He tells us, “we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

It is the duty of every member to help and assist their leaders, especially when it comes to preaching the words of God and with matters of administering the members of the church. Apostle Paul reminds the members, “the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.” (Galatians 6:6)

Nevertheless, leaders are also human beings. They can also do mistakes. They can also be seen showing weaknesses. Apostle Paul advises the young Timothy to be extra cautious of his behavior. He told him that he is not only saving himself from his teachings but also the other members of the church. He told him that his age should not be a hindrance in the performance of his holy duties (1 Timothy 4:12). He should be a good example among members.

If a leader commits mistakes, the whole leadership should not be affected. Mistakes are prone to individuals and not as a whole. However, any leader who commits mistakes should be punished and be disciplined. If the leaders duty is to discipline members, the adminsitrations’ duty is to discipline the preachers and other leaders even if they are high ranking leaders of the church.

From here, we notice the fairness among the members and leaders in the church of God. There is a strict attitude that should be implemented in the church of God (1 Timothy 3:15), and all members, including the leaders, should respect this.

Through the help and guidance of the leaders of the church of God, members can attain perfection of faith. Paul emphasizes this, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith…” (Ephesians 4:11-13)

And so, it is an obligation and duty of all members to be united in helping the cause of the church’s leadership. Let us all try to make an effort to keep the unity of Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). By doing this, we could walk according to what God expect of us. Apostle Peter says, “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.” (2 Peter 1:12)

David’s Psalms tells us, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1)

(Filipino Translations)

Anumang samahan sa ibabaw ng lupa ay nangangailangan ng pamamahala. Magiging magulo at walang kaayusan ang samahan kung ito ay walang namiminuno. Ang lider ay nagsisilbing piloto na umuugit kung saan tatakbo ang isang samahan.

Sa Biblia, ang pangangasiwa at pamamahala ay inilagay ng Dios sa iglesia. Inilagay ito upang magkaroon ng kaayusan ang lahat ng mga bagay. Inilagay ito upang lubos na mabuklod at magkaroon ng pagkakaisa ang iglesia ng Dios. Sinabi ni Apostol Pablo, “At ang Dios ay naglagay ng ilan sa iglesia, una- una’y mga apostol, ikalawa’y mga propeta, ikatlo’y mga guro, saka mga himala, saka mga kaloob na pagpapagaling, mga pagtulong, mga pamamahala, at iba’t ibang mga wika.” (1 Corinto 12:28) 

Ang pamamahala o pamunuan ay sangkap ng katawan o iglesia upang ang bawat sangkap o miyembro ay maingatan na huwag magkaroon ng dibisyon o pagkakapangkat-pangkat, kundi magkaroon ng pagkakalapat-lapat pagdating sa ugnayan sa isa’t isa, at tungkulin ng pamamahala na panatilihin at isaayos ang pagkakaisa ng mga sangkap nito. Gaya nang pahayag, “Upang huwag magkaroon ng pagkakabahabahagi sa katawan; kundi ang mga sangkap ay mangagkaroon ng magkasing- isang pagiingat sa isa’t isa.” (1 Corinto 12:25)

Kung may pagkakabahabahagi, hindi mananayo ang anumang samahan. Ang iglesia ng Dios ay nananatiling nakatayo sapagkat nabubuklod ng pagkakaisa sa tali ng kapayapaan. Anumang sangbahayan na nagkakabahabahagi ay nagigiba. Tayo ang sangbahayan ng Dios, tinatatahanan ng Dios sa Espiritu (Efeso 2:19-22), na mga itinayo sa ibabaw ng kinasasaligan ng mga Propeta at ng mga Apostol, na si Kristo Hesus ang Pangulong Bato sa Panulok. Ibig sabihin, si Kristo Hesus, na Siyang ulo ng katawan ang nangungulo sa iglesia ng Dios. Siya ang nagtayo nito, at magpahanggang ngayon ay Siyang pumapatnubay sa pangangasiwa nito.

Pagaralan natin, anu-ano ba ang maaaring maging daan upang magkaroon ng pagkakabahabahagi sa iglesia ng Dios?

Maraming maaaring maging daan ng pagkakabahabahagi sa iglesia. Pangunahin dito ang sinabi ng Biblia na maaaring makapasok sa iglesia ang mga hidwang turo, aral o mga maling pananampalataya. Isa ito sa naging tema ng pagsulat ni Apostol Pablo sa mga taga-Corinto. Sa kaniyang pahayag, “…nababalitaan ko na kung nangagkakatipon kayo sa iglesia, ay mayroon sa inyong mga pagkakabahabahagi; at may kaunting paniniwala ako. Sapagka’t tunay na sa inyo’y mayroong mga hidwang pananampalataya.” (1 Corinto 11:18-19) 

Siyempre, kung mayroong mga maling aral o turo na nakapasok, na kahit naman noong panahon ng mga Apostol ay naganap, ay mangyayari ang pagkakabahabahagi. Bukod dito, sa panahon pa din ng mga Apostol ay nangyari ang pagkakampikampi. Sinulat ito ni Apostol Pablo, “… ang bawa’t isa sa inyo ay nagsasabi, Ako’y kay Pablo; at ako’y kay Apolos; at ako’y kay Cefas; at ako’y kay Cristo. Nabahagi baga si Cristo.” (1 Corinto 1:12-13) 

Sa panahon nila, nangyari na mayroong ilan kapatid na ikiniling ang pagtingin sa ibang Apostol, at ang iba naman ay sa iba. At ito ang naging dahilan upang magkaroon ng pagkakahatihati sa kanilang pagtitinginan bilang magkakapatid sa iglesia. Ang pagkakahatihating ito ay nagdulot ng paninibugho at pagtatalo sa gitna ng mga kapatid (1 Corinto 3:3-4).

Samakatuwid, maraming maaaring maging dahilan ng pagkakabahabahagi sa iglesia ng Dios. Palibhasa’y mga laman tayo bilang tao, at mayroong kanikaniyang paguugali o likas, bumabangon sa atin ang ganitong mga kaasalan. Ang totoo, hindi ito dapat makita sa atin sapagkat ang hidwang aral o turo, pagkakabahabahagi, pagtatalotalo, paninibugho at pagkakampikampi ay hindi karunungang buhat sa Dios, ito ay sa kalaban ng Dios, sa Diablo (Santiago 3:14-16). 

Dito pumapasok ang kahalagahan ng pamamahala o pangangasiwa sa iglesia ng Dios. Sapagkat malaki ang posibilidad na mapasok ang iglesia ng maraming sanhi ng pagkakabahabahagi, dito papasok ang halaga ng mga lider o pamunuan na magiging kasangkapan upang patayin ang mga bagay na nagiging daan ng pagkakabahabahagi sa iglesia. 

Ilan sa mga pangunahing tungkulin ng inilagay na mga pamamahala sa iglesia ay ang mga sumusunod:

• Tagapagturo ng mabubuting aral, “At bibigyan ko kayo ng mga pastor ayon sa aking kalooban, na kakandili sa inyo ng kaalaman at unawa.” (Jeremias 3:15)
• Inilagay upang makapagpatibay sa pananampalataya ng mga kapatid, “tungkol sa aming kapamahalaan (na ibinigay ng Panginoon sa ikapagtitibay sa inyo, at hindi sa ikagigiba ninyo.” (2 Corinto 10:8)
• Inilagay upang ang kapatid ay magpakagaling sa pananampalataya at paglilingkod sa Dios, “Sapagka’t siya’y ministro ng Dios sa ikagagaling mo.” (Roma 13:4) 

Sa iglesia ay inilatag ang iba’t ibang pangangasiwa (1 Corinto 12:5). Ang iba’y pinagkalooban ng Espiritu ng kaalaman at karunungan upang maibahagi sa mga kapatid (1 Corinto 12:8). Ang iba nama’y may kaloob sa pagpapagaling ng sakit (1 Corinto 12:9). Ang iba’t sa paggawa ng mga himala (1 Corinto 12:9-10), at ng kaloob ng panghuhula, pagkilala sa Espiritu, at sa iba’y may kaloob patungkol sa mga wika at pagpapaliwanag ng mga wika. Datapuwa’t ang lahat ng ito ay ginagawa ng isa at ng gayon ding Espiritu, na binabahagi sa bawa’t isa ayon sa kaniyang ibig. (1 Corinto 12:11)

Subalit ang isang lider o bahagi ng pangangasiwa ay dapat na maging karapatdapat sa kaniyang tungkulin. Siya ay nagsisilbing huwaran sa gitna ng mga kapatiran at kadalasan, siyang nagiging gabay ng isang kapatid sa kanilang paglilingkod sa Dios.

Kaya’t hindi lamang sapat na ang isang lider ay makapagturo ng mga mabubuting aral. Ang isang lider ay dapat mahusay mamahala ng kaniyang sariling sangbahayan. Gaya nang pahayag, “(Nguni’t kung ang sinoman nga ay hindi marunong mamahala sa kaniyang sariling sangbahayan paanong makapamamahala sa iglesia ng Dios.” (1 Timoteo 3:5)

Kaya’t ang isang lider ay dapat na lider din sa kaniyang sariling sangbahayan o pamilya. Kailangang may mabuti siyang patotoo hindi lamang sa mga kapatid, kundi maging sa loob ng kaniyang tahanan. Dagdag dito ang mga pahayag na, “asawa ng isa lamang babae, mapagpigil, mahinahon ang pagiisip, mahusay, mapagpatuloy, sapat na makapagturo; Hindi magulo, hindi palaaway, kundi malumanay, hindi mapakipagtalo, hindi maibigin sa salapi. Namamahalang mabuti ng kaniyang sariling sangbahayan, na sinusupil ang kaniyang mga anak na may buong kahusayan” (1 Timoteo 3:2-4)

Ang isang lider ay marunong kumandili at magkaloob ng pangangailangan ng kaniyang sariling sangbahayan. Gaya nang sinabi, “Datapuwa’t kung ang sinoman ay hindi nagkakandili sa mga sariling kaniya, lalong lalo na sa kaniyang sariling sangbahayan, ay tumanggi siya sa pananampalataya at lalong masama kay sa hindi sumasampalataya.” (1 Timoteo 5:8) Samatuwid, ang isang lider ay hindi tamad, kundi nagsisikap na makapagbigay ng pangangailangan sa kaniyang sambahayan.

Walang ibang inaasahang maguukol ng pagkilala at respeto sa mga lider maliban sa mga kapatiran sa loob ng iglesia. Ang mga sakripisyo, mabubuting halimbawa at pagtitiis ng mga lider ay dapat na suklian ng lahat ng ibayong pagtalima at pakikiramay sa kanilang mga Gawain.

Sinabi ng Biblia, “Ang mga matanda na nagsisipamahalang mabuti ay ariing may karapatan sa ibayong kapurihan, lalong lalo na ang mga nangagpapagal sa salita at sa pagtuturo.” (1 Timoteo 5:17) Tungkulin ng lahat ng pagukulan ng respeto at pagkilala ang mga lider sa iglesia. Sa paanong paraan dapat itong ipakita?

Mahalagang maipakita ng mga kapatid ang kanilang pagmamahal sa kanilang mga pinuno, upang lubos nilang magampanan ang kanilang mga katungkulan at upang may kagalakan nilang maisagawa ang kanilang mga Gawain, gaya nang sinabi, “Datapuwa’t ipinamamanhik namin sa inyo, mga kapatid, na inyong kilalanin ang nangagpapagal sa inyo, at nangamumuno sa inyo sa Panginoon, at nangagpapaalaala sa inyo; At inyong lubos na pakamahalin sila sa pagibig, dahil sa kanilang gawa. Magkaroon kayo- kayo ng kapayapaan.” (1 Tesalonica 5:12-13)

Kaya’t tungkulin ng bawat kapatid na damayan ang mga lider sa kanilang mga gampanin, lalo pa nga sa pangangaral ng mga salita ng Dios at sa iba’t ibang paraan pa ng pangangasiwa sa mga kapatid sa loob ng iglesia, at ito ay ipinaalala sa mga kapatid noon, na sinasabi, “Datapuwa’t ang tinuturuan sa aral ng Dios ay makidamay doon sa nagtuturo sa lahat ng mga bagay na mabuti.” (Galatia 6:6)

Ang mga lider o tagapangaral sa iglesia ay mga tao din gaya ng mga karaniwang kapatid. Kaya’t maaaring kakitaan din ang mga ito ng kapintasan at maaari ding magkasala o magkamali. Si Timoteo na isang batang tagapangaral sa panahon ni Apostol Pablo ay pinayuhan na ingatan ang kaniyang sarili at ang kaniyang mga turo, sapagkat hindi lamang ang sarili niya ang kaniyang ililigtas kundi maging ang mga inaaralan niya. Sinabihan din siya ni Apostol Pablo na huwag maging hadlang ang kaniyang kabataan sa pagtupad niya ng kaniyang tungkulin. Huwag maging daan ito upang mahamak siya bilang isang batang tagapangaral. (1 Timoteo 4:12)

Kung magkamali man ang isang lider, hindi dapat maapektuhan ang ibang lider o ang institusyon ng pamunuan. Ito ay maaaring indibiduwal na pagkakamali lamang ng isang pinuno. At anumang kamaliang nagagawa ng isang Tagapangaral halimbawa ay hindi dapat kunsintihin ng pamunuan, manapa ito ay karapatdapat din sa disciplinary actions o pagsaway.

Kung tungkulin ng mga lider o Tagapangaral na sawayin ang kamalian ng mga kapatid, tungkulin naman ng kapangasiwaan na sawayin ang kamaliang nagagawa ng kanilang mga kasama, maging ito man ay nasa mataas na tungkulin.

Sa ganito ay magkaroon ng pagkapantay-pantay ang lahat ng mga kapatid at ibang lider sa pagkalad nang nararapat sa loob ng bahay ng Dios. Sa loob ng iglesia ng Dios ay mayroong dapat na ugaliin (1Timoteo 3:15) at ito ang dapat na lakaran ng lahat ng kaanib.

Sa ganito, sa tulong at gabay ng mga lider sa iglesia ng Dios ay maihatid ang lahat ng kapatid patungo sa kasakdalan ng pananampalataya at paglilingkod sa Dios. Gaya nang sinabi, “At pinagkalooban niya ang mga iba na maging mga apostol; at ang mga iba’y propeta; at ang mga iba’y evangelista; at ang mga iba’y pastor at mga guro; Sa ikasasakdal ng mga banal, sa gawaing paglilingkod sa ikatitibay ng katawan ni Cristo: Hanggang sa abutin nating lahat ang pagkakaisa ng pananampalataya…” (Efeso 4:11-13)

Kaya nga, tungkulin ng lahat na makipagkaisa sa kapangasiwaan upang marating ito. Ingatan natin ang tali ng pagkakaisa sa iisang Espiritu nang pinagtawagan sa atin (Efeso 4:3). Kung magkagayon ang lahat ay lumakad sa lakad at pamumuhay na hinahanap sa atin ng ating Dakilang Ama. Gaya nang pahayag, “Kaya’t magiging handa akong lagi na ipaalaala ko sa inyo ang mga bagay na ito, bagama’t inyong nalalaman, at kayo’y pinatitibay sa katotohanang nasa inyo.” (2 Pedro 1:12)

At gaya nang pahayag, “Masdan ninyo, na pagkabuti at pagkaligaya sa mga magkakapatid na magsitahang magkakasama sa pagkakaisa…” (Awit 133:1)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Kapangyarihang Taglay ng Dios.” for March 19 and 22, 2015)

Anyone who believes in the One True God also believes that His power is eternal and everlasting. There is nothing that is truly impossible to Him. What is impossible to us is possible to God. The vastness and greatness of His power were revealed in many instances, all were written in His book, the Bible.

In fact, Abraham’s wife Sarah laughed when she learned that she would have a baby at her old age (Genesis 18:13-14). These verses prove that the power of God made it possible for her to beget a son. Although impossible at her age, God chooses to give it to her. The phrase, “Is anything impossible for the Lord?” proves that there is no impossible with God.

Ancient Israelites doubted God when Moses led them to the Promised Land. They questioned God’s power because they are too many. They were afraid they would die on their journey. However, the phrase “Is the Lord ʼs hand shortened?” proves that He is the almighty God (Numbers 11:21-23). Therefore, they should have not doubted God’s power. Whatever pleases God, He does it. His outstretched arms cannot be taken back. His will be done on earth as it is in the heavens. This is God’s might and power (Isaiah 14:26-27).

His power Creates

He is the Creator of all things. It is His power that nobody can possess. Through His words everything were created and all His creations reveal His amazing power. David sang of God’s power and glory, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world…” (Psalms 19:1-6) 

All His creations proclaim the vastness of His power and might. The things that are unfathomable to men remained disputed despite their endless pursuit of searching for answers on God’s wonders and creations. Only God will know the deepest mystery of His creations. It is His glory to keep them as they are because it is part of His glory and power. This reveals that He is the only One God who created all things, the almighty God, unequaled and His power is from everlasting to everlasting.

There is no impossible with God

One of God’s mysteries is His godliness. The Bible tells us about the prophecy of a child that would be born. That child is Jesus Christ. This can be found in Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The verse is about the manifestation of God in the flesh. It was doubted and questioned by unbelievers, bible scholars and skeptics. They do not believe that God cannot do it. Skeptics believe that God cannot manifest Himself in the flesh, making Him a God, which is limited only to heaven.

However, the power of the One True God was revealed in Christ. Great is the mytery of godliness; indeed, He manifest Himself in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). The prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled, unto us a son is given… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Everlasting Father…

God’s power was revealed through Christ. He cured the sick, gave sight to the blind, cleansed the people who are stricken with leprosy, gave hearing to the deaf, gave strength to the paralyzed so that they can walk again, and most of all the power to forgive sins. 

However, the amazing revelation of God through Christ is the sign of Jonah. Prophet Jonah was eaten alive by a huge fish and stayed inside its belly through the mercy of God in three days and three nights. Jesus needed to die on the cross, and after three days He would resurrect, as the fulfillment of what happened to Jonah (Matthew 12:38-40).

And when God bid farewell to His Apostles, He promised He would be back again at the appointed time, to bring them all to heaven in His kingdom. The Bible tells us, “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)

How did the power of God affect the early servants of God?

The power of God made huge effect in the lives of the early faithful. His power changed their lives, their beliefs and principles because they have seen and felt the power of God in their lives. Sarah may have laughed at first for hearing that she would beget a son at her old age, but when it happened, both of them became more faithful to God.

The great power of God made them strong and more faithful. In fact, when God tested Abraham to offer his son Isaac, he did not feel any doubt. Absoulte obedience was seen from Abraham. He thought that God could resurrect his son from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19). That made him the father of faith.

Apostle Paul tells us about the faith of Abraham who felt God’s power in his life. Paul tells us, “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead —since he was about a hundred years old —and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:18-21)

The power of God drove the fear away from David. The ancient Israelites were afraid of their enemy, the Philistines because of their champion, Goliath. However, David, who has strong faith and belief in the power of God, did not feel any fear. David tells us, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37)

The same courage happened to prophet Daniel. He and his friends disobeyed the order of the Babilonian king even if their lives are at stake. During that time, Nabucodonosor made a huge statue and proclaimed that all people in his land should worship no other God other than the statue. Anyone who disobeyed will be punished and will be killed. Daniel and his friends did not obey the order of the king. They were sent to a burning oven but were saved by the power of God (Daniel 6:26-27; 3:14-18).

Later on, Nabucodonosor believed in the power of God. The Bible tells us, “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him:“What have you done?” At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”(Daniel 4:34-37)

The faith of the early Christians endangered their lives, but that did not stop them from serving God. The power of God indeed made them brave and courageous amidst the persecutions and sufferings they experienced (Hebrews 11).

Notice that the power of God that was revealed to the early faithful changed their lives in an enormous way. They became courageous and feared nothing because of the power they felt. The power of God removed the fear in their hearts and made them unstoppable.

How did the power of God affect the servants of God in our times today?

Do we trust God like what the early servants of God did?

How can we repay God’s goodness and power that is constantly revealed in us?

Having felt God’s power and goodness, we should show that we trust Him and believe in what He can do in our lives, that no matter what happens, we trust that He will never abandon or forsake us. Remember also that it is our duty to fear Him and obey all His commands and will (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Let us show that His power is truly revealed in us. How? By allowing ourselves to be doers of His words and teachings, by turning away from all sort of wickedness and sins of this world, like what the Bible says, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”(Ephesians 1:18-21)

Let us show that His power was able to change us by allowing ourselves to be obedient to His will, knowing that by doing this, we shall received the eternal salvation.

Change should be evident in us as a sign of God’s power in our lives. If we could not generate change in our lives, even if we are saying that we believe in Him, it is not pleasing to the Lord. True change is not through words only, but through actions and obedience.

Paul emphasizes that the power of God should grow deeply in our hearts so that we can be able to obey what our holy obligations expect of us. Paul says, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:17-20)

The power of God that created all things should create huge change in our lives as a faithful. Remember that all things act according to His will and power for our own good and salvation. Apostle Paul tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

(Filipino Translations)

Sa sinumang naniniwala at sumasampalataya sa Iisang Dios na tunay, walang duda na walanghanggan ang Kaniyang kapangyarihan. Walang bagay na totoong mahirap sa Kaniya. Ang imposible sa ating mga tao ay posible sa Kaniya. Ang lawak at laki ng Kaniyang kapangyarihang taglay ay nahayag sa maraming pagkakataon at pangyayari, na pawang nasulat sa Kaniyang aklat, ang Biblia.

Katunayan, sa panahon ni Abraham, nagtawa si Sarah nang sabihin sa kaniya na siya ay manganganak pa sa kabila nang kaniyang katandaan (Genesis 18:13-14). Pinatutunayan dito na kapangyarihan ng Dios ang magbigay ng supling sa sinumang Kaniyang ibiging pagkalooban anuman ang kalagayan o edad nito. Ang mga salitang “may anumang bagay kayang napahirap sa Panginoon” ang makapagpapatunay na walang imposible sa Kaniya.

Sa panahon ni Moises, nagduda ang lahing Israel sa Dios nang sila ay maglakbay patungo sa lupang Canaan. Nagduda sila pagkat totoong lubhang napakarami nila. Natatakot sila na sila ay mamatay sa gutom sa kawalan. Subalit sinabi ni Moises, “Umikli na ba kaya ang kamay ng Panginoon?” (Bilang 11:21-23) Ito ang nagpapatunay na ang kamay ng Dios, na siyang simbolo ng Kaniyang kapangyarihan ay hindi dapat pagdudahan o pagalinlanganan. Sapagkat anumang naisin o ibigin ng Dios ay Kaniyang ginagawa. Ang kamay Niyang nakaunat ay walang sinumang makapagtitikom niyaon. Mananaig ang anumang Kaniyang ipinasya, sapagkat bahagi ng Kaniyang kapangyarihang taglay (Isaias 14:26-27).

Kapangyarihan ng Dios ang Lumikha. Siya ang Dios na lumikha ng lahat ng bagay. Sa pamamagitan ng Kaniyang mga salita ay nalikha ang lahat. At ang lahat ng Kaniyang mga nilikha ay nagpapahayag ng Kaniyang kagilagilalas na kapangyarihan. Sinabi ng Biblia, “Ang kalangitan ay nagpapahayag ng kaluwalhatian ng Dios; at ipinakikilala ng kalawakan ang gawa ng kaniyang kamay. Sa araw- araw ay nagbabadya ng pananalita, at sa gabi- gabi ay nagpapakilala ng kaalaman. Walang pananalita o wika man; ang kanilang tinig ay hindi marinig. Ang kanilang pangungusap ay lumaganap sa buong lupa, at ang kanilang mga salita ay hanggang sa wakas ng sanglibutan…” (Awit 19:1-6)

Ipinakikilala ng lahat ng Kaniyang mga nilikha ang kalakhan ng Kaniyang kapangyarihan. Ang mga bagay na hindi maabot ng unawa ng tao ay mananatiling malaking kuwestiyon sa kanilang pananaliksik sapagkat tanging Dios lamang ang nakakaalam ng lahat sapagkat sa Kaniya nagmula ang lahat ng bagay.

At ang lahat ng ito ay nagpapakilala na Siyang magisa ang Dios na lumikha ng lahat, ang tanging Dios na Makapangyarihan sa lahat. Siya ay Dios na walang kapara, sapagkat ang Kaniyang kapangyarihan ay walang hanggan.

Ngunit ang isa sa kagilagilalas na bagay na ginawa ng Dios ay nang matupad ang nakasulat sa aklat ng Propeta Isaias, “Sapagka’t sa atin ay ipinanganak ang isang bata, sa atin ay ibinigay ang isang anak na lalake; at ang pamamahala ay maaatang sa kaniyang balikat: at ang kaniyang pangalan ay tatawaging Kamanghamangha, Tagapayo, Makapangyarihang Dios, Walang hanggang Ama, Pangulo ng Kapayapaan.” (9:6)

Tungkol ito sa Kaniyang pagkakatawang-tao. Ang Dios ay nahayag sa laman sa pamamagitan ng Panginoong Hesus. Bagay na pinagdudahan ng maraming mga tao, ng mga walang pagkilala, maging ng ilang bumabasa at nagsasaliksik ng mga Banal na Kasulatan. Nanaig sa kanila ang katuwirang, hindi diumano magagawa ng Dios ang magkatawang tao, na para bagang binibigyan nila ng hangganan ang kakayahan ng Dios.

Subalit nahayag ang kapangyarihan ng IISANG Dios sa pamamagitan ni Hesus. Dakila ang hiwaga ng Kaniyang pagka-Dios, sapagkat nahayag Siya sa laman (1 Timoteo 3:16). Natupad ang sinabi ng Propeta Isaias na ipinanganak ang isang bata, ibinigay ang isang anak na lalake… at ang kaniyang pangalan ay tatawaging Kamanghamangha, Tagapayo, Makapangyarihang Dios, Walang hanggang Ama, Pangulo ng Kapayapaan. 

Lahat ng mga bagay na Kaniyang ipinakita gaya ng pagpapagaling sa mga may sakit, pagpapalakad sa mga pilay, pagpapadilat sa mga bulag, paglilinis sa mga may sakit na ketong, hanggang doon sa pagpapatawad ng mga kasalanan ay kahayagan ng Kaniyang dakilang kapangyarihan.

Subalit ang pinamalaking halimbawa ng pagpapakita ng Kaniyang kapangyarihan ay ang mga tanda at kahayagan ng hula na isinakatuparan Niya sa Kaniyang sarili. Ang tanda ni Jonas, nang kainin ito ng malaking isda sa loob ng tatlong araw at tatlong gabi, ay nagkaroon ng katuparan kay Hesus, sapagkat kinakailangang Siya ay mamatay, at pagkatapos ng tatlong araw ay Siya’y muling mabubuhay (Mateo 12:38-40).

Upang lalong mahayag ang Kaniyang kapangyarihan, iniwan ni Hesus ang isang tanda patungkol sa Kaniyang sarili. Ito ay walang iba kundi ang patungkol sa Kaniyang muling pagbabalik. Sinabi ng Biblia, “At kung magkagayo’y lilitaw ang tanda ng Anak ng tao sa langit: at kung magkagayo’y magsisitaghoy ang lahat ng mga angkan sa lupa, at mangakikita nila ang Anak ng tao na napaparitong sumasa mga alapaap ng langit na may kapangyarihan at dakilang kaluwalhatian.” (Mateo 24:30) At ang pagupo sa kanan ng kapangyarihan, na nangangahulugan ng kahayagan ng Kaniyang pagka-Dios (Mateo 26:64)

Paano nagkaroon ng bisa ang kapangyarihan ng Dios sa mga unang lingkod?

Malaki ang naging epekto ng kapangyarihan ng Dios sa buhay ng mga unang lingkod. Binago nito ang buhay, paniniwala at prinsipyo ng mga unang mananampalataya sapagkat nahayag sa kanilang mga mata ang dakilang kapangyarihan ng Dios. Maaaring nagtawa si Sara nang ipahayag ang kaniyang pagkakaroon ng supling sa kabila ng kaniyang edad, subalit nang mahayag sa kaniya ang katuparan ng pangako ng Dios, ipinakita nilang magasawa ang malaking pananampalataya sa Dios.

Ang malaking kapangyarihan ng Dios ang nagpatatag at nagpalakas ng pananampalatayang taglay ni Abraham. Katunayan, nahayag ang kaniyang walang pagaalinlangang pagtalima sa Dios bagaman ang buhay ng kaniyang anak na si Isaac ang maaaring maging kapalit nito. Kaya’t kahit siya ay subukin ng Dios na ihandog ang Kaniyang bugtong na anak, tinalima niya ito. Iniisip ni Abraham na kaya ng Dios na buhayin ito sa gitna ng mga patay (Hebreo 11:17-19).

Ang kapangyarihan ng Dios na nahayag sa kaniya ang naging daan upang lalo siyang magtiwala at manampalataya sa Dios, gaya nang sinabi ni Apostol Pablo patungkol sa kaniya, “Siya na sumampalataya na nasa pagasa laban sa pagasa, upang maging ama ng maraming bansa ayon sa sabi, Magiging gayon ang iyong binhi. At hindi humina sa pananampalataya na ipinalagay man ang kaniyang katawang tulad sa patay na (gayon siya’y may mga isang daang taon na), at ang pagkabaog ng bahay- bata ni Sara; Kundi, sa pagtingin niya sa pangako ng Dios, ay hindi nagalinlangan sa pamamagitan ng di pananampalataya, kundi lumakas ng lumakas sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya, na niluluwalhati ang Dios, At lubos nanalig na ang Dios na nangako ay may kapangyarihang makagawa noon.” (Roma 4:18-21)

Ang kapangyarihan ng Dios ay nagpalayas ng takot sa murang kaisipan ng batang si David. Maaaring sa panahon niya ay kinatakutan ng Israel ang kanilang kalaban na mga Filisteo, sapagkat mayroon silang higante sa katauhan ni Goliath. Subalit si David, sapagkat nagtitiwala at nananampalataya sa kapangyarihan ng Dios, ay nagtitiwala na kaya silang iligtas ng Dios mula sa kamay ng kanilang mga kaaway. Gaya nang kaniyang sinabi, “Ang Panginoon na nagligtas sa akin sa mga pangamot ng leon, at sa pangamot ng oso, ay siyang magliligtas sa akin sa kamay ng Filisteong ito.” (1 Samuel 17:37)

Ganito din ang nahayag sa lalaking si Daniel. Sa laki ng kaniyang pagtitiwala at pananampalataya sa Dios, nagawa nilang suwayin ang kautusan ng hari ng Babilonia bagaman buhay ang maaaring maging kapalit. Nang panahong yaon ay nagpagawa ng diosdiosan si Nabucodonosor at nag-atas na yaon lamang ang dapat sambahin at kilalanin ng lahat. Sinumang susuway dito ay walang pagsalang parurusahan at papatayin. Subalit hindi ito tinalima ni Daniel at ng kaniyang mga kaibigan palibhasa’y may pananampalataya sa tunay na Dios. Nahayag sa kanila ang kapangyarihan ng Dios nang sila ay iligtas sa hurnong nagniningas, naging daan upang lalo silang magtapat at manampalataya sa tunay na Dios (Daniel 6:26-27; 3:14-18)

Kalaunan ay nahikayat din ang haring Nabucodonosor, na nagpupuri at dumadakila sa marilag na pangalan ng tunay na Dios, “At sa katapusan ng mga kaarawan, akong si Nabucodonosor ay nagtaas ng aking mga mata sa langit, at ang aking unawa ay nanumbalik sa akin, at aking pinuri ang Kataastaasan, at aking pinuri at pinarangalan ko siya na nabubuhay magpakailan man; sapagka’t ang kaniyang kapangyarihan ay walang hanggang kapangyarihan, at ang kaniyang kaharian ay sa sali’t saling lahi. Ngayo’y akong si Nabucodonosor ay pumupuri, at nagbubunyi, at nagpaparangal sa Hari ng langit; sapagka’t ang lahat niyang gawa ay katotohanan, at ang kaniyang mga daan ay kahatulan; at yaong nagsisilakad sa kapalaluan ay kaniyang mapabababa.” (Daniel 4:34-37) 

Ang kapangyarihang nahayag sa mga unang Kristiyano ay nagtulak sa kanila upang ipain maging ang kanilang mga leeg sa nakaambang kamatayan, maipahayag lamang nila ang kanilang pananampalataya sa Dios. Walang nakapigil sa kanilang paglilingkod kahit kamatayan man ang naging kapalit (Hebreo 11).

Pansinin nating ang kapangyarihang nahayag sa mga unang naglingkod sa Dios ay nagdulot ng malaking epekto sa kanilang paninidigan, katapangan at pananampalataya sa Kaniya na Makapangyarihan sa lahat. Inalis nito ang takot sa kanilang puso at kalooban bagaman buhay ang maaaring maging katumbas ng kanilang pagtatapat.

Ano ang naging epekto ng kapangyarihan ng Dios sa ating buhay sa panahong ito?

Nagtitiwala din ba tayo sa Kaniya gaya ng pagtitiwala at pananampalataya sa Kaniya ng mga unang lingkod?

Paano natin dapat suklian ang lawak ng Kaniyang kabutihan at kapangyarihan na patuloy namang nahahayag sa atin?

Kung mayroon man tayong dapat isukli at ipamalas sa Dios ay ang buong pagtitiwala at pananampalataya na anuman ang dumating sa ating buhay ay hindi Niya tayo magagawang pabayaan. Tandaan nating tungkulin natin ang matakot sa Kaniya at ganapin ang lahat ng Kaniyang mga atas at palatuntunan, ito ang pangunahin nating tungkulin bilang mga tao (Eclessiastes 12:13-14).

Ipakita nating ang Kaniyang kapangyarihan ay tunay na nahayag sa atin, sa pamamagitan ng pagsasakabuhayan ng Kaniyang mga salita, ng pagtalima sa Kaniyang mga katuruan, ng pagtalikod sa lahat ng uri ng kasamaan. Gaya nang sinabi, “Yamang naliwanagan ang mga mata ng inyong puso, upang maalaman ninyo kung ano ang pagasa sa kaniyang pagtawag, kung ano ang mga kayamanan ng kaluwalhatian ng kaniyang pamana sa mga banal, At kung ano ang dakilang kalakhan ng kaniyang kapangyarihan sa ating nagsisisampalataya, ayon sa gawa ng kapangyarihan ng kaniyang lakas, Na kaniyang ginawa kay Cristo, nang ito’y kaniyang buhaying maguli sa mga patay, at pinaupo sa kaniyang kanan sa sangkalangitan, Sa kaibaibabawan ng lahat na pamunuan, at kapamahalaan, at kapangyarihan, at pagkasakop, at sa bawa’t pangalan na ipinangungusap, hindi lamang sa sanglibutang ito, kundi naman sa darating.” (Efeso 1:18-21)

Ipakita nating binago tayo ng Kaniyang kapangyarihan sa pamamagitan ng pagtalima sa Kaniyang mga ebanghelyo, yamang nalalaman nating ito ang magiging daan ng ating kaligtasan.

Ang pagbabago ay kailangang mahayag sa atin bilang tanda ng kahayagan ng Kaniyang kapangyarihan sa ating buhay. Kung tayo ay hindi pa nagpapakita ng pagbabago, bagaman sinasabi nating tayo ay sumasampalataya ay wala itong kabuluhan. Ang tunay na pagbabago ay hindi sa pamamagitan ng salita lamang, kundi sa pamamagitan ng paggawa at lubos na pagtalima.

Gaya nang sinabi ni Apostol Pablo, ang kalakhan ng kapangyarihan ng Dios ay dapat na magugat sa atin at magdulot ng lakas upang lalo nating matugunan ang tawag ng ating mga katungkulan, “Na si Cristo ay manahan sa inyong mga puso sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya; upang kung kayo’y magugat at magtumibay sa pagibig. Ay lumakas upang matalastas pati ng lahat ng mga banal kung ano ang luwang at ang haba at ang taas at lalim, At makilala ang pagibig ni Cristo na di masayod ng kaalaman, upang kayo’y mangapuspos hanggang sa buong kapuspusan ng Dios. Ngayon sa makapangyarihang gumawa ng lubhang sagana ng higit sa lahat ng ating hinihingi o iniisip, ayon sa kapangyarihang gumagawa sa atin.” (Efeso 3:17-20)

Ang kapangyarihan ng Dios na Siyang gumawa at lumikha ng lahat ng bagay ay dapat ding gumagawa at lumilikha sa atin ng malaking pagbabago lalo na sa panig ng ating mga paglilingkod at pananampalataya. At tandaan nating lahat ay kumikilos ayon sa Kaniyang kalooban sa buong ikabubuti at ikaliligtas natin. Sinabi ni Apostol Pablo, “At nalalaman natin na ang lahat ng mga bagay ay nagkakalakip na gumagawa sa ikabubuti ng mga nagsisiibig sa Dios, sa makatuwid baga’y niyaong mga tinawag alinsunod sa kaniyang nasa.” (Roma 8:28)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Mabuting Kagamutan sa Pagtuturo ng Bibloia” for dates March 26 and 29, 2015)

It is very difficult for anyone to get sick nowadays. Aside from the financial aspect, it creates a chain of disastrous effect in the human anatomy. No wonder people seek any sort of remedy just to feel better and get well.

We believe that God is the one who gives the disease to people. He makes us wounded and He is the one who heals us. The Bible tells us, ““See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.” (Deuteronomy 32:39) God gives us sufferings and He takes away all of it.

We also believe that medical doctors are God’s instruments to cure people from sickness. Sickness, according to experts does not only affect the physical body of a person. It extends to man’s emotional and psychological side. Depression usually leads to more complications. Diseases get worst if depression is present.

If we ask the Bible, it says that a happy heart helps a person to get well. It says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine…” (Proverbs 17:22) Many experts prove that having a happy heart can cure a disease.

Psychologists who study science of happiness believe that a positive actions such as laughing produces happiness. Constant laughing creates a chain of effect in the body and helps a lot in improving its physical and psychological health. It reduces the level of hormones and cortisol. Cortisol is a type of stress-induced chemical that leads to heart attacks, increase of blood pressure and excess belly fat. Laughing also helps in strengthening the immune system and increases the production of the antibodies in our saliva and blood streams to fight bacteria, virus and parasites.

Even the Bible attested to this. The Bible says, “…but heartache crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:13) When there is heartache, the inner being of a person is crushed and looses the ability to think positively and be happy. A person who is always crushed because of sufferings thinks that it is not good. They do not see the benefit of sufferings. They do not see what will sufferings make them. The Bible says, “All the days of the oppressed are wretched…” (Proverbs 15:15)

Science tells us that constant stress can break a person not only in the inner side but as well as in the physical aspect. Stresses make a person sterile and increase the rate of aging. The Bible conforms to these findings. The experts and the Bible is in unity in saying that having a negative heart, constant stress and a heart that is always wretched can harm us physically and emotionally. However, they also in unity in saying that having a cheerful heart is the best medicine.

Though sufferings are inevitable, how they affect us plays an important part. Servants of God feel joy and happiness amidst the many sufferings they have encountered in life, because they have faith, they trust God in everything they do. A true servant, who has been taught of the values and doctrines of God, and knows the teachings about sufferings, faces the sufferings with wisdom and courage no matter how hard and heavy they are. A servant treats all these sufferings as tests of faith to determine how much is their faith in the almighty God (1 Peter 1:6).

The key to having a happy and peaceful heart amidst sufferings lies on our hope and faith in God. Anyone who has an absolute faith and trust in God will always look on the positive side of what is happening with his life. And since that we are always positive in all ways, we do not let any negativity arises in every occasion.

We make sure that things that can create negative thoughts, feelings and actions, that can lead to unwanted sufferings are avoided. People who are self conceited, unforgiving and envious of others are those who always feel negative thoughts. Those who are unforgiving will always be hunted by being unforgiving. Those who are envious of what others may have will never be satisfied. Those who are self-conceited will always be insecure.

Servants of God are avoiding these negative characters. We should not measure or compare others with our selves. We are unique in the eyes of God. For example, if we are always worried abut our life’s situation, we will never be happy. If we do not learn to be contented in life, we cannot avoid stress.

However, learning to have a cheerful heart will give us a lot of benefits. Aside from the physiological effects of being happy, having a happy heart let us behave according to the will of God. The Bible tells us, “For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” (Proverbs 2:10)

And so, it is very important to maintain a cheerful heart. Not only that it gives us cure, but also by being happy and peaceful in many ways, we can create friends and not enemies, not only to other people but especially to all faithful. Apostle Paul explains this, “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like- minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:1-5)

If we have positive outlook in life, especially in the spiritual aspect, we can see its good effects in our selves, not only in our physical health, but as well as to our souls. The key here is to accept things that we cannot change, to have courage to change the things that we can and to have the wisdom to know the difference (Reinhold Niebuhr).

(Filipino Translations)

Mahirap magkasakit lalo na sa panahong ito. Bukod sa pinansiyal na aspeto, ang pagkakasakit ay nagdudulot ng mabigat na dalahin sa kalooban. Subalit bilang laman, hindi naman natin sadyang maiiwasan ang pagkakaroon ng karamdaman. Alam nating ang bawat karamdaman ay may dahilan. Kung minsan, tayo mismo ang may kasalanan ng pagkakasakit. At kung minsan, kalooban ito ng Dios na ating maranasan.

Ang Dios ang nagbibigay ng karamdaman.

Siya ang sumusugat at Siya din ang nagpapagaling. Gaya nang sinabi, “Tingnan ninyo ngayon, na ako, sa makatuwid baga’y ako nga, At walang dios sa akin: Ako’y pumapatay, at ako’y bumubuhay; Ako’y ang sumusugat, at ako’y ang nagpapagaling: At walang makaliligtas sa aking kamay.” (Deut. 32:39). Samakatuwid, nasa kapangyarihan ng Dios na ang isang tao ay magtaglay ng karamdaman, at Siya din ang may kapangyarihan na magbigay lunas dito.

Kung nagmula sa Dios ang bawat karamdamang tinataglay nating mga tao, hindi nagpabaya ang Dios upang hindi natin makita ang kagamutan. Maaaring may karamdamang kung tawagin ay terminal o ikamamatay. Ang ganitong karamdaman ay wala nang lunas at kasangkapan na Niya upang wakasan ang buhay ng sinuman.

Mayroong karamdamang may lunas. Naniniwala tayo na ang mga manggagamot na nagpakadalubhasa sa pagaaral sa panggagamot ay mga kasangkapan ng Dios sa ikalulunas ng karamdaman ng nakararaming mga tao. Sa pagaaral ng maraming mga eksperto, ang karamdamang pisikal ng tao ay hindi lamang nagdudulot ng epekto sa pisikal na katawan ng tao. Ang karamdamang pisikal ay maaari ding makaapekto sa emosyunal at kaisipan ng may sakit. Karaniwan, pangunahin ang depresyon na nagdudulot ng lalong paglala ng karamdaman. Kapag patuloy na naranasan ang depresyon, ito ang nagiging sanhi upang lalong lumubha ang sakit.

Kung Biblia ang tatanungin, sumasangayon ito sa kasabihan, na “laughter is the best medicine.” Sinabi ng Biblia, “Ang masayang puso ay mabuting kagamutan…” (Kawikaan 17:22) Pinatutunayan ng maraming eksperto sa ngayon na malaki ang kaugnayan sa ikagagaling ng karamdaman ng pagkakaroon ng masayang puso o kalooban.

Ang mga Psychologists na nagaaral ng Science of Happiness ay naniniwala na ang pagkakaroon ng positibong gawi gaya ng pagtawa ay nakapagbibigay ng kasiyahan. Ang pagtawa ay nakapagbibigaya ng sunod-sunod na reaksiyon sa katawan na nakakatulong sa pisikal at psikolohikal na kalusugan nito. Ang palagiang pagtawa ay nakapagpapalayo sa karamdaman at nagbibigay din ng kalunasan. Ibinababa nito ang hormones at ang cortisol levels. Ang cortisol ay isang uri ng stress-induced chemical na maaaring magbigay ng sakit sa puso, pagtaas ng blood pressure at excess belly fat. Nakakatulong din ang pagtawa sa pagpapalakas ng immune system sapagkat pinatataas nito ang produksiyon ng mga antibodies sa ating laway at sa daluyan ng ating dugo upang labanan ang mga bacteria, virus at parasites.

Kung Biblia naman ang magpapahayag, ang pagiging malungkutin naman o palagiang nasa pagdadalalamhati ay hindi nagdudulot ng mabuti sa ating katawan. Sinabi ng Biblia, “…sa kapanglawan ng puso ay nababagbag ang diwa.” (Kawikaan 15:13) Magulo at masalimuot ang kalooban kapag ang puso ay nasa kapanglawan. Gayundin ipinahayag ng Biblia, “Lahat ng mga araw sa nagdadalamhati ay masama…” (Kawikaan 15:15) Kapag ang tao ay nasa pagdadalahamhati, para sa kaniya ito ay isang kasamaan.

Ang medisina ay nagpahayag na ang pagkakaroon ng maraming stress ay nagbibigay ng masamang epekto sa kalusugan ng tao. Ang matagalang pagkaka-expose sa stress o yaong tinatawag na chronic stress ay lubhang mapanganib sa kalusugan ng katawan. Nakapagpapataas ito ng blood pressure, pinahihinto ang pagiging aktibo ng ating immune system, nagiging daan ng atake sa puso, stroke, pagkabaog at pinabibilis ang pagtanda.

Hindi nakapagtataka na ito ang matuklasan ng mga eksperto sapagkat malaon nang panahon na ipinahayag ito ng mga salita ng Dios. Samakatuwid, and mga ekperto at ang Biblia ay nagkakaisa sa pahayag na ang pagkakaroon ng masayang puso ay mabuting kagamutan para sa ating mga tao.

Sa katotohanan, hindi natin maiiwasan ang maraming pagsubok, kadalamhatian sa buhay at iba pang nagdudulot ng kalumbayan sa tao. Subalit natutunan ng mga lingkod na harapin nang matiwasay ang bawat pagsubok na ito sa kanilang buhay. Taglay ang kapayapaang mula sa Dios, matapang nilang hinaharap ang mga ito, sapagkat mayroon silang pagasa at pananampalataya sa Dios.

Maraming bagay na tunay na nakapagbibigay ng stress o kabalisahan sa ating buhay subalit ang mga ito ay inaaari nating pagsubok na kaloob ng Dios upang mapatunayan ang taglay nating pananampalataya (1 Pedro 1:6). Lahat ng pagsubok ay matapang at may kagalakang hinaharap ng mga lingkod. Inaari nilang kabanalan kung ito ay kanilang malagpasan.

Ang susi sa pagkakaroon ng kagalakan at katiwasayan ng kalooban ng mga lingkod, sa kabila ng maraming mga kadalamhatian sa buhay ay nakasalig sa pagasa at pananampalataya. Mayroong silang positibong pananaw sa lahat ng bagay na kanilang nararanasan sa buhay. At dahil positibo, iniiwasan nila ang mga bagay maaaring magbigay sa kanila ng maling pananaw o negatibo.

Dahil dito iniiwasan nilang madama ang mga bagay na magbibigay lamang sa kanila ng ibayong kalumbayan na maaaring magbigay sa kanila ng karamdaman. Ilan sa halimbawa ay ang pagpapalalo, pagtatanim at pananaghili. Ang taong nagtatanim ng galit sa kaniyang kapuwa ay karaniwang walang kapayapaan sa sarili. Ang taong naiinggit sa ginhawang nararanasan ng kaniyang kapuwa ay nagdudulot din sa kaniya ng psikolohikal na stress. Maging ang mga taong palalo ay nakadadama ng malaking kakulangan sa kanilang kalooban.

Hindi dapat maging ganito ang pananaw ng mga lingkod ng Dios. Hindi natin dapat sukatin o ikumpara ang ating sarili sa ibang tao. Ang kawalan ng kasiyahan sa ating kalagayan ay karaniwang nagiging daan din ng maraming stress sa buhay. At tanging silang walang kasiyahan sa puso ang hindi makakaiwas sa ganitong kalagayan.

Ano ang maaaring idulot ng pagkakaroon ng masayang puso, bukod sa mayroon itong positibong epekto sa kalusugan nating mga tao?

Sinabi ng Biblia, “Sapagka’t karunungan ay papasok sa iyong puso, at kaalaman ay magiging ligaya sa iyong kaluluwa.” (Kawikaan 2:10) Ang taong taglay ang masayang puso, na siyang kagamutang mula sa Dios ay nagtataglay ng tunay na unawa, ng tunay na kaalaman at katuwiran. Ito ang nagiging kalasag sa pagtatapat ng isang lingkod, “Kaniyang pinapagtataglay ang matuwid ng magaling na karunungan, siya’y kalasag sa nagsisilakad sa pagtatapat.”(Kawikaan 2:7)

Kaya’t mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng masayang puso sapagkat ito ay makakatulong sa pagkakaroon ng pakikipagkaisa sa lahat ng tao, lalo na sa mga kasambahay sa pananampalataya. Gaya nang pahayag ni Apostol Pablo, “Kaya nga kung mayroong anomang kasiglahan kay Cristo, kung mayroong anomang kaaliwan ng pagibig, kung mayroong anomang pakikisama ng Espiritu, kung mayroong anomang mahinahong awa at habag, Ay lubusin ninyo ang aking katuwaan, upang kayo’y mangagkaisa ng pagiisip, mangagtaglay ng isa ring pagibig, na mangagkaisa ng akala, at isa lamang pagiisip; Na huwag ninyong gawin ang anoman sa pamamagitan ng pagkakampikampi o sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalalo, kundi sa kababaan ng pagiisip, na ipalagay ng bawa’t isa ang iba na lalong mabuti kay sa kaniyang sarili; Huwag tingnan ng bawa’t isa sa inyo ang sa kaniyang sarili, kundi ang bawa’t isa naman ay sa iba’t iba. Mangagkaroon kayo sa inyo ng pagiisip, na ito’y na kay Cristo Jesus din naman.” (Filipos 2:1-5)

Kung positibo ang pananaw natin sa buhay, lalo na sa espirituwal na bahagi ng ating buhay, makikita natin ang mabuting epekto nito sa ating sarili, hindi lamang sa ating kalusugan, kundi higit sa lahat sa bahagi ng ating kaluluwa. Matitiyak nating anumang karamdaman ang maaari nating taglayin ay magkakaroon ito ng mabuting lunas.

Samakatuwid, pisikal man o sa bahagi ng espirituwal, malaki ang pakinabang ng pagkakaroon ng masayang puso. Ang kailangan lamang ay matagpuan natin ang susi ng tunay na kasiyahan sa puso sa kabila ng maraming kapighatian na ating nararanasan sa buhay. Laksan natin ang ating loob, dinaig ni Kristo ang sanlibutan – Juan 16:33.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Ginawa ng Dios sa Kaniyang Pagkakatawang-tao na Marapat Tularan ng Kaniyang mga Lingkod” for April 2, 2015)

Many verses of the Bible will prove the truth about the manifestation of God in flesh through Jesus Christ. This may sound ridiculous to some skeptics and scholars of the Bible, however, to us, who believe in the deity of Christ, it is very clear that this is what the Bible is telling us about the mystery of His godliness, that He manifest Himself in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16).

In the beginning of the book of John, we can see how God made Himself appear in form of the flesh. It was stated there that word who is God, was manifested in the flesh through Christ Jesus. It is written there, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-2,14)

“The word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This is a powerful verse that proves that God, who is the word, made Himself appear as a flesh like us. That verse is the fulfillment of the prophesy in the Old Testament. It was written, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) This verse was fulfilled in Matthew 1:23, which says, ““The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)

Isaiah made the same prophesy in Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Notice the child is the mighty God and the everlasting Father.

Can God be born? The Bible says in Micah 5:2, that He came from evelasting, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah,

though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” God has no beginning; therefore, He came from everlasting. How come He was born in the flesh? He needed to become flesh that is why He was born in the flesh. He used the normal process of creation, through birth.

To give proof that God has no beginning, David says, “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalms 90:2) God needed to become flesh for a special purpose, which He decided for Himself. Apostle Paul mentioned this in his letter; “he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:9)

The amazing works and wonders that Christ had shown maybe a mystery to others, but to us, it proves that He is God incarnate, God who makes Himself a man. But, is Christ a real man? Yes, Christ is a man, but not like us. He is a man because He made Himself like a man. His original form is not a man. He is God who dwells in us like a man.

Christ’s stories tell us about His great works and give proof of His deity.

No man can walk in water. There were some who made it in the movies and films, but they are all illusions and camera tricks. There is also a monk who can run (not walk) on water, but underneath the water is a long wooden bridge and can be clearly seen from afar. Jesus walk on water. We can read in John 6:19-20, “When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

Job tells us about God’s character in Job 9:8, “By whose hand the heavens were stretched out, and who is walking on the waves of the sea.” If God can walk in the waves of the sea, and Christ walked on the water, then who is Christ to you?

No man can command wind and ocean waves. Only God can do this. David says, “Who makes the loud voice of the sea quiet, and puts an end to the sound of its waves.” (Psalms 65:7) Even the fire, rain of ice, snow and mist does the words of God (Psalms 148:8).

Did Christ command these elements? And did these elements follow Him? In Mark 4:37-39, we can read, “And a great storm of wind came up, and the waves came into the boat, so that the boat was now becoming full. And he himself was in the back of the boat, sleeping on the cushion: and they, awaking him, said, Master, is it nothing to you that we are in danger of destruction? And he came out of his sleep, and gave strong orders to the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be at rest. And the wind went down, and there was a great calm.”

If Christ can order the sea and wind to be at rest and God does the same, then who is Christ to you?

No man knows the contents of the heart and thoughts of anyone. Only God knows everything. David says, “the Lord —knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.” (Psalms 94:11)

Can Jesus read the mind of anyone? What can we find in the Bible? John 21:17 states, “The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Does Jesus really know all things? Can he know the hearts and thoughts of men? We can read in John 2:24-25, “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people. He did not need anyone to testify about man, for he knew what was in man.”

If only God knows everything and Christ Jesus knows all things, then who is Jesus to you?

If the attributes of Christ and the Father are the same, does God allow that anyone be like Him? The Bible says no. It was written, “To whom can you compare and liken me? Tell me whom you think I resemble, so we can be compared. Let the things which are past come to your memory: for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me.” (Isaiah 46:5,9)

The Father does not allow anyone to be like Him, however Christ possesses all His attributes. That makes Christ and the Father, one. (John 10:30)

It is very clear that God does not allow anyone to be like Him. That means He does not allow any other God besides Him. However, God would love to see that we imitate His actions and lessons upon His manifestation as a flesh.

Apostle Paul tells us, “Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus, To whom, though himself in the form of God, it did not seem that to take for oneself was to be like God; But he made himself as nothing, taking the form of a servant, being made like men; And being seen in form as a man, he took the lowest place, and let himself be put to death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8) God wants us to become like Him in the sense that we learn the humility that He had set before us. He wants us to become obedient of His will, walking in humility according to His pleasure.

No master will ever serve his servants, and Christ set an example to follow. He washed the feet of His disciples and served them. This is what God wants us to imitate in His manifestation in the flesh, that is, to learn how to accept and serve one another as He had shown us (John 13:13-15, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you”)

Christ suffered afflictions. He was hurt, persecuted and hated. However, He accepted all these sufferings. God wants us to imitate this example, that no matter how harsh we suffer from other people, we learn to let the hands of God decide. We do not take revenge, because revenge is only for God (1 Peter 2:21-23).

Most of all, God wants us to be forgiving in all situations. We ‘ve got to have a low heart, and a big heart too, so that we can learn how to open it out for forgiveness. The Bible commands us, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)

If we learn how to imitate God’s examples through Christ, then we could prove that we are indeed His servants, worthy of being called His children, and heirs to His promise, the eternal life. The Bible says, ““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

(Filipino Translations)

Sa maraming talata ng Biblia ay ating mauunawaan ang katotohanan ng pagkakatawang-tao ng Dios sa pamamagitan ng Panginoong Hesus. Hindi man ito maging katanggap-tanggap sa maraming nagbabasa ng Biblia at sa mga hindi naniniwala, datapuwat sa ating kumikilala ay maliwanag na ito ay isa sa mga hiwaga ng Kaniyang pagka-Dios.

Sa umpisa pa lamang ng aklat na isinulat ni Apostol Juan ay makikita natin ang kahayagan ng Kaniyang pagkakatawang tao. Niliwanag sa unang talata nito ang pagkakatawang tao ng salita. Ang salita o ang verbo ay ang Dios, at ang salita na ito ay nagkatawang tao sa pamamagitan ng Panginoong Hesus. Gaya nang sinabi, “Nang pasimula siya ang Verbo, at ang Verbo ay sumasa Dios, at ang Verbo ay Dios. Ito rin nang pasimula’y sumasa Dios.” (Juan 1:1-2) “At nagkatawang- tao ang Verbo, at tumahan sa gitna natin (at nakita namin ang kaniyang kaluwalhatian, kaluwalhatian gaya ng sa bugtong ng Ama), na puspos ng biyaya at katotohanan” (Juan 1:14)

Ang kaganapang ito ay mula sa katuparan ng hula ng Propeta Isaias, na isang dalaga ang maglilihi at ang manganganak ng isang lalake. Ang hulang ito ay nagkaroon ng katuparan sa Panginoong Hesus. Siya ang Dios na nagkatawang-tao. Sinabi ng Biblia, “Kaya’t ang Panginoon nga ay magbibigay sa inyo ng tanda; narito, isang dalaga ay maglilihi, at manganganak ng isang lalake, at tatawagin ang kaniyang pangalan na Emmanuel.” (Isaias 7:14) Ang katuparan ng hulang ito ay ating mababasa sa Mateo 1:23 na sinasabi, “Narito, ang dalaga’y magdadalang- tao at manganganak ng isang lalake, At ang pangalang itatawag nila sa kaniya ay Emmanuel; na kung liliwanagin, ay sumasa atin ang Dios.”

Dagdag pa dito ang sinabi ni Propeta Isaias, “Sapagka’t sa atin ay ipinanganak ang isang bata, sa atin ay ibinigay ang isang anak na lalake; at ang pamamahala ay maaatang sa kaniyang balikat:at ang kaniyang pangalan ay tatawaging Kamanghamangha, Tagapayo, Makapangyarihang Dios, Walang hanggang Ama, Pangulo ng Kapayapaan.” (Isaias 9:6) Pansinin natin ang katangian ng batang ipinanganak ayon kay Isaias, ito ang Makapangyarihang Dios at Walang Hanggang Ama.

Tunay bang ipinanganak ang Dios? Sa katotohanan, ayon sa Mikas 5:2, “Nguni’t ikaw, Beth- lehem Ephrata, na maliit upang lumagay sa libolibo ng Juda, mula sa iyo ay lalabas sa akin ang isa na magpupuno sa Israel; na ang pinagbuhatan niya ay mula nang una, mula nang walang hanggan.” Walang pinagmulan ang Dios, Siya ay mula nang walang hanggan. Subalit kailangan Niyang ipanganak sapagkat magkakatawang tao nga. Ginamit Niya ang normal na proseso ng paglikha, ang normal na pagkapanganak ng isang sanggol.

Upang patunayan na walang hanggan ang Kaniyang pasimula, sinabi din ni David, “Bago nalabas ang mga bundok, O bago mo nilikha ang lupa at ang sanglibutan, mula nga ng walang pasimula hanggang sa walang hanggan, ikaw ang Dios.” (Awit 90:2) Kinailangan lamang Niyang magkatawang tao sapagkat mayroong sunod sunod na layunin na kailangan Niyang isakatuparan mismo ng Kaniyang sarili. At ito ay ipinasiya Niya sa Kaniyang sarili gaya nang pahayag ni Apostol Pablo, “Na ipinakikilala niya sa atin ang hiwaga ng kaniyang kalooban, ayon sa kaniyang minagaling na ipinasiya niya sa kaniya rin.” (Efeso 1:9)

Ang mga kagilagilas na gawa at pangyayaring nakapaloob sa pagkakatawang-tao ng Panginoong Hesus ay magpapatunay na Siya ay ang Dios na nagkatawang-tao. Si Kristo ba ay tao? Si Kristo ay tao sapagkat Siya ay nagkatawang-tao, subalit Siya ay hindi tao sa katutubong kalagayan. Siya ay Dios na nagkatawang tao.

Ilan sa halimbawa ng mga dakilang tanda at gawa ng Panginoong Hesus na nagpapatunay ng Kaniyang pagka-Dios ay ang mga sumusunod:

Walang tao na may kakayanan na lumakad sa alon ng dagat. Maaaring mayroong mga gumagawa nito sa panahong ito. Subalit ang mga ito ay mga ilusyon lamang ng camera at dinadaya ang mga nakapanonood nito. Ang Panginoong Hesus ay lumakad sa tubig. Mababasa ito sa Juan 6:19-20, “Nang sila nga’y mangakagaod na ng may dalawangpu’t lima o tatlongpung estadio, ay kanilang nakita si Jesus na lumalakad sa ibabaw ng dagat, at lumalapit sa daong:at sila’y nangahintakutan. Datapuwa’t sinabi niya sa kanila, Ako nga; huwag kayong mangatakot.”

Magugunita nating ang lalaking si Job ay nagpahayag ng kakayahan ng Dios, “Na nagiisang inuunat ang langit, at tumutungtong sa mga alon ng dagat.” (Job 9:8)

Walang tao na may kakayahang utusan ang hangin at ang dagat. Dios lamang ang makagagawa nito, at ito ay ginawa ng Panginoong Hesus. Katunayan, mababasa sa Marcos 4:37-39, “At nagbangon ang isang malakas na bagyo, at sinasalpukan ang daong ng mga alon, na ano pa’t ang daong ay halos natitigib. At siya’y natutulog sa hulihan sa ibabaw ng kutson; at siya’y ginising nila, at sinabi sa kaniya, Guro, wala bagang anoman sa iyo na mapahamak tayo? At gumising siya, at sinaway ang hangin, at sinabi sa dagat, Pumayapa, tumahimik ka. At humimpil ang hangin, at humusay na totoo ang panahon.”

Upang patunayan na Dios lamang ang may kapangyarihang makagawa nito, sinabi ni David, “Na nagpapatigil ng hugong ng mga dagat, ng hugong ng kanilang mga alon, at ng kaingay ng mga bayan.” (Awit 65:7) Maging ang apoy, granizo, nieve at singaw, o maging ang unos na hangin, gumaganap ng Kaniyang mga salita (Awit 148:8)

Walang tao na may kakayahang malaman ang lahat ng bagay, makabasa ng kalooban at kaisipan ng sinuman. Tanging Dios lamang ang makagagawa nito. Ang Panginoong Hesus ba ay ganito? Sinabi ng Biblia, “Sinabi niya sa kaniya sa ikatlo, Simon, anak ni Juan, Iniibig mo baga ako? Nalumbay si Pedro sapagka’t sa kaniya’y sinabing makaitlo, Iniibig mo baga ako? At sinabi niya sa kaniya, Panginoon, nalalaman mo ang lahat ng mga bagay; nalalaman mo na kita’y iniibig…” (Juan 21:17) 

Pinatunayan din ito sa mga talatang Juan 2:24-25 na sinasabi, “Datapuwa’t si Jesus sa kaniyang sarili ay hindi rin nagkatiwala sa kanila, sapagka’t nakikilala niya ang lahat ng mga tao, Sapagka’t hindi niya kinakailangan na ang sinoman ay magpatotoo tungkol sa tao; sapagka’t nalalaman nga niya ang isinasaloob ng tao.”

Dios lamang ang maaaring makaalam ng nasa kalooban ng bawat tao. Ayon kay David, “Nalalaman ng Panginoon ang mga pagiisip ng tao…” (Awit 94:11) 

Ang mga katangian ng Panginoong Hesus ay kagaya ng katangian ng Dios. Pumapayag ba ang Dios na may kagaya? Ang sagot ng Biblia ay hindi. Katunayan mababasa natin sa Isaias 46: 5, 9, “Kanino ninyo ako itutulad, at ipaparis, at iwawangis ako, upang kami ay magkagaya. Inyong alalahanin ang mga dating bagay ng una:sapagka’t ako’y Dios, at walang iba liban sa akin; ako’y Dios, at walang gaya ko.” 

Kung gayon, maliwanag sa Biblia na ang Dios ay hindi pumapayag na magkaroon ng kagaya Niya. Ang Panginoong Hesus ay taglay ang mga katangiang tanging Dios lamang ang makapagtataglay. Nangangahulugang si Kristo at ang Ama ay IISA (Juan 10:30).

Hindi pumapayag ang Dios na may katulad Siya, ang hangad Niya ay matularan lamang natin ang mga iniwan Niyang halimbawa nang Siya ay magkatawang-tao.

Gaya halimbawa ng pagpapakababa na Kaniyang ginawa, na Siya bagama’t Dios ay iniwan ang Kaniyang pagka-Dios upang makitulad sa ating mga tao. Iniwan Niya din ang halimbawa ng pagiging masunurin. Kung si Kristo ay naging masunurin hanggang sa kamatayan sa krus, gayundin ang hangad Niya na magawa natin (Filipos 2:5-8).

Sinumang panginoon ay hindi pinaglilingkuran ang kaniyang mga alipin. Subalit, ginawa ito ng Panginoong Hesus. Hinugasan Niya ang paa ng Kaniyang mga alagad, upang ipakita sa kanila ang dakilang halimbawa ng pagpapakababa (Juan 13:13-15), sa layuning sila naman ay matuto ding magpapakababa sa isa’t isa.

Bagaman Siya ay inupasala, sinaktan, tinampalasan at niyurakan, hindi gumanti ang Panginoong Hesus. Ibig Niyang maging gayon ang ating kaisipan sa lahat ng panahon. Ang paghihiganti ay nasa kamay ng Dios. Hayaan nating ang Dios ang gumanti sa mga kasamaang ginagawa sa atin. (1 Pedro 2:21-23)

Kaya’t kung si Hesus ay nagawang magpakita ng mababang puso at naging mapagpatawad sa lahat ng tumampalasanan sa Kaniya, gayundin naman ang ibig Niyang makita na ginagawa natin. Ang wika ng Biblia, “Mangagtiisan kayo sa isa’t isa, at mangagpatawaran kayo sa isa’t isa, kung ang sinoman ay may sumbong laban sa kanino man; na kung paanong pinatawad kayo ng Panginoon, ay gayon din naman ang inyong gawin:” (Colosas 3:13) 

Kung magkagayon ay makilala ng lahat na tayo nga ay tunay na mga alagad ng Dios. Gaya nang Kaniyang pahayag, “Isang bagong utos ang sa inyo’y ibinibigay ko, na kayo’y mangagibigan sa isa’t isa:na kung paanong iniibig ko kayo, ay mangagibigan naman kayo sa isa’t isa. Sa ganito’y mangakikilala ng lahat ng mga tao na kayo ay aking mga alagad, kung kayo’y may pagibig sa isa’t isa.” (Juan 13:34-35)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Katangiang Dapat Taglayin ng Bawat Mananampalataya ng Panginoong Dios” for April 16, 2015)

“Watch your thoughts, it becomes your actions. Watch your actions, it becomes your habit. Watch your habits, it becomes your character.” – Margaret Thatcher

 This famous quote is about the character of people. We vaguely notice that our actions are always a product of what we think. What if we think cruelly? We may end up doing cruel things too.

Self-awareness is important in order to control one’s thoughts, actions and habits. This is the reason why the prophesy of the Apostle Paul about the character of people is fulfilled in our time. People had become lovers of their own selves, lovers of money, lovers of wicked pleasures.

And no wonder why this world had become dangerous. This is the work of the Devil. The world was given to the hands of the wicked according to Job 9:24. We should not expect that this world is going to be fine. The world runs according to what the Devil dictates. The wicked will become more wicked, leading to destructions.

The only thing a faithful can do is be aware of ones’ self and its environment. We need to guard ourselves not to let it be lured by the temptations of this world. Jesus tells us, ““But watch yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:34)

The lack of carefulness and awareness can lead to sin. Oftenly, overindulgence to worldly lusts lead to painful fate. To avoid greediness, each one should learn to control worldly pleasures and be satisfied with what we have, be it small or big blessings. We need to learn how to count the blessings we receive to avoid grumbling and complaining.

Dissatisfaction leads us to anxiety. Apostle Paul tells us, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11) Knowing that God will not abandon us no matter what, gives us a feeling of satisfaction. The Bible tells us, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Sometimes, the worries of people came from their own inattention. For example, many people spend money more than what they earn. To be able to cope up with their expenses, they will borrow money with interest. And to be able to pay their debts plus the interests, they will again borrow from another. The result is the heavy burden of paying over debts. This is too much anxiety and foolishness.

Be it in abundance or in need, we should learn to be contented while serving the Lord. The Lord tells us that in this world we only have sufferings, we should overcome (John 16:33). A faithful should not worry about what he will eat or drink. God will provide.

Jesus tells us, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat? ’ Or ‘What shall we drink? ’ or ‘What shall we wear? ’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (Matthew 6:31-32)

The problem with many people, they get over confident in their situations. They became lazy and entrusted everything to the Lord. Some of them are not willing to work for their daily needs because they believe God will provide. Their lives became miserable. Some of them did not send their kids to schools. They are just waiting for help form other people. They became parasites. Although they concentrate on serving the Lord, they neglect many things in this life.

This should not happen to us. A faithful should be practical in material and spiritual aspects. Although we know that our priority should be on the spiritual side, however, we should not forget that we should find a means of fulfilling our needs.

Prioritizing the spiritual aspect of our lives requires sacrifice. Sometimes, we loose material things in order to gain spiritually. There are things that we should be willing to sacrifice in exchange of gaining the pleasure of the Lord. In return, God promises that He won’t let us be beggars in the streets. He will not abandon us. He will provide for us only if we work hard too. Whatever we encounter in life, God assures that we will overcome them because He will help us and give us strength. We just need to trust Him.

The trait of the eagle mentioned in Isaiah 40:31 is what God expects us to possess. We should not get weary and weaken. While serving the Lord, we soar on wings like eagles, we run and not grow weary, we walk and not be faint, because we hope in the Lord and renew our strength every time.

The strength that we have come from His powerful hands; therefore we are assured that we can overcome anything. Apostle Paul tells us that before he was weak, doing things that are inappropriate and wicked before God, but things change when God called Him and gave him strength. Now, he can do anything because Christ is his strength. He writes, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)

Now, if we feel that the power and blessings of God are always overwhelming in our lives, then what we should do is offer Him the desired worship and service, and continuously offer thanksgiving and praises worthy of His name. This is how we can repay God for all His love to us.

Filipino Translations:

“Bantayan mo ang iyong pagiisip, ito ay magiging gawa mo. Bantayan mo ang iyong gawa, ito ay magiging ugali mo. Bantayan mo ang iyong ugali, ito ay magiging karakter mo.” – Margaret Thatcher

Isa ito sa mga pamosong kasabihan sa nagiging likas nating mga tao. Kadalasan ay hindi natin namamalayan na ang laman ng ating isip ay unti-unting nagiging bahagi ng ating paggawa. Paano kung mali o masama ang laman ng isip? Masama din ang magiging paggawa nito.

Kaya’t kung hindi mababantayan, o hindi mako-kontrol ng tao ang kaniyang pagiisip, gawa, kilos o ugali, magiging karakter niya ito. Ito ang naging dahilan kung bakit sa panahon nating ito ay natupad ang sinabi ni Apostol Pablo tungkol sa magiging likas ng maraming mga tao.

Ang mga tao ay naging maibigin sa kanilang sarili, maibigin sa salapi, sa kalayawan at sa mga kasamaan (2 Timoteo 3:1-5) Naging dahilan upang maging mapanganib ang takbo ng sanlibutan. Hindi naman ito nakapagtataka sapagkat sinabi ng Biblia na ang lupa ay nabigay na sa kamay ng masama (Job 9:24). Huwag tayong umasa na sa sanlibutang ito ay higit na mamamayani ang kabutihan. Sapagkat nabigay na ito sa masama, ang takbo ng sanlibutan ay umaayon sa dikta ng kasamaan, ang masama ay lalo pang sasama kaysa sa dati nitong kalagayan. patungo sa pagkapahamak.

Ang tanging magagawa nating mga mananampalataya ay magingat, batayan ang sarili na baka tayo naman ay makahulagpos at matangay ng sari-saring tukso sa sanlibutang ito. Ganito ang ipinayo ng Panginoong Hesus, “Datapuwa’t mangagingat kayo sa inyong sarili, baka mangalugmok ang inyong mga puso sa katakawan, at sa kalasingan, at sa mga pagsusumakit ukol sa buhay na ito, at dumating na bigla sa inyo ang araw na yaon na gaya ng silo.” (Lukas 21:34)

Ang kawalan ng pagiingat o ang mahigpit na pagbabantay sa sarili ang kadalasang nagiging dahilan ng pagkapahamak ng marami. Kung minsan, sa sobrang paghahangad ng mga bagay ng sanlibutang ito ay humahantong ang tao sa pagkapahamak.

Upang makaiwas sa ganitong kalagayan, ipinayo ng Biblia na pagaralan nating masiyahan sa anumang kalagayan mayroon tayo. Matuto tayong magpasalamat sa anumang biyaya na tinatanggap natin, malaki man o maliit ang mga biyayang ito. Ang kailangan lamang ay pagaralan nating bilangin ang mga biyayang dumadating sa ating buhay upang maiwasan nating mabalisa at magreklamo sa ating kalagayan.

Ang kawalan ng kasiyahan sa pamumuhay ang nagiging dahilan ng sobrang kabalisahan. Kaya’t sinabi ni Apostol Pablo, “… sapagka’t aking natutuhan ang masiyahan sa anomang kalagayang aking kinaroroonan. Marunong akong magpakababa, at marunong naman akong magpakasagana: sa bawa’t bagay at sa lahat ng bagay ay natutuhan ko ang lihim maging sa kabusugan, at maging sa kagutuman, at maging sa kasaganaan at maging sa kasalatan.” (Filipos 4:11-12)

Pagaralan natin na magkasiya tayo sa ating tinatangkilik. Gaya nang pahayag, “Mangilag kayo sa pagibig sa salapi; mangagkasiya kayo sa inyong tinatangkilik:sapagka’t siya rin ang nagsabi, Sa anomang paraan ay hindi kita papagkukulangin, sa anomang paraan ni hindi kita pababayaan.” (Hebreo 13:5)

Kung minsan, ang kabalisahang nararanasan ng tao ay bunga na din ng kaniyang kapabayaan. Higit sa kanilang kinikita ang kanilang ginagastos. Upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ay mangungutang. At para makabayad ng utang, ay muling uutang ng panibago. Ang resulta ay ang pagkabaon sa utang, na nagiging daan ng sobrang kabalisahan.

Sagana man o salat ang buhay, matuto tayong maging masaya samantalang naglilingkod sa Dios. Noon pa naman ay ipinagpauna na sa atin ng Panginoong Hesus, na sa sanlibutang ito ay mayroon tayong kapighatian, laksan natin ang ating loob (Juan 16:33). 

Kaya’t hindi dapat mabalisa ang isang lingkod kung ano ang kaniyang kakainin, iinumin at daramtin. Hindi tayo dapat mabalisa kung anuman ang maging pangangailangan natin, sapagkat mayroong Dios na nakahandang tumulong at umagapay sa atin.

Sinabi ni Hesus, “Kaya huwag kayong mangabalisa, na mangagsabi, Ano ang aming kakanin? o, Ano ang aming iinumin? o, Ano ang aming daramtin? Sapagka’t ang lahat ng mga bagay na ito ay siyang pinaghahanap ng mga Gentil; yamang talastas ng inyong Ama sa kalangitan na kinakailangan ninyo ang lahat ng mga bagay na ito.” (Mateo 6:31-32)

Ang problema sa ilan, nasobrahan naman sa pagiging kuntento. Nawalan na ng panahon para magsikap at maabot ang kanilang pangarap. Ang resulta nito ay kabalisahan din. Ang kakulangan ng maraming bagay sa buhay na ito ay kadalasang nagdudulot ng ibayong kabalisahan sa buhay. Dapat praktikal ang maging pagtingin natin sa materyal na pangangailangan at sa espirituwal na bahagi ng ating buhay.

Batid nating higit nating dapat pagukulan ng pansin ang pagiipon ng kayamanang panlangit, subalit hindi din naman tayo dapat magpabaya sa paghahanap ng ating pangangailangan dito sa lupa.

Magiging mahirap lamang talaga na pagukulan ng higit na pansin ang bahagi ng espirituwal sapagkat maraming bagay tayong kailangang isakripisyo. May mga bagay na kailangan nating ipagpalit lalo kung hindi ito umaayon sa kagustuhan ng Dios. Subalit, nangako naman ang Dios na hindi tayo pababayaan, kung kaya’t makaaasa tayong magagawa nating pagtagumpayan ang anumang bagay na ating kaharapin. Huwag lamang tayong magkulang ng pagtitiwala sa Kaniya.

Taglayin natin ang kalakasan na gaya ng agila, na papalakas nang papalakas samantalang bumibilang ng panahon sa paglilingkod. Gaya nang sinabi sa Isaias 40:31, “Nguni’t silang nangaghihintay sa Panginoon ay mangagbabagong lakas; sila’y paiilanglang na may mga pakpak na parang mga aguila; sila’y magsisitakbo, at hindi mangapapagod; sila’y magsisilakad, at hindi manganghihina.”

Ang lakas na ito ay nagmumula sa makapagyarihang kamay ng Dios kaya’t makaaasa na makapagtatagumpay sa bahagi ng paglilingkod sa Kaniya. Kung noon gaya ni Apostol Pablo ay wala tayong lakas sa ating sarili, na namamayani pa ang ugaling sanlibutan, dahil sa lakas na ibinigay sa atin ay magagawa natin ang kahit anumang bagay sapagkat si Kristo ang ating kalakasan. Gaya nang kaniyang pahayag, “sa bawa’t bagay at sa lahat ng bagay ay natutuhan ko ang lihim maging sa kabusugan, at maging sa kagutuman, at maging sa kasaganaan at maging sa kasalatan. Lahat ng mga bagay ay aking magagawa doon sa nagpapalakas sa akin.” (Filipos 4:12-13)

Kaya naman, kung ang tulong ng Dios ay lagi nating tinataglay, walang pinakamainam na gawin kundi ang patuloy naming Siya ay madulutan natin ng pagsamba at paglilingkod, at patuloy Siyang maalayan ng taus sa pusong mga pagpapasalamat at pagpupuri. Ito lamang ang tangi nating maibabayad sa lahat ng Kaniyang kabutihan at pagibig.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga Taong Karamay sa Hirap ng Panginoong Hesus” for April 19, 2015)

What Christ suffered from the hands of His perpetrators is incomparable. He needed to undergo all of it to fulfill what is written in the book of the Prophets.

An example is written in Isaiah 53:3-6, which says,

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Jesus was in excellent health, yet, at the garden of Gethse­mane, He underwent great emotional stress from being abandoned by friends, the thought of humiliation and a cruel death by crucifixion, that he produced bloodied beads of sweat. This condition is called hematidrosis or hemihidrosis, where the veins and skin become tender from anguish that they break, mixing the blood with sweat. Without sleep and breakfast, and weary from walking about 2.5 miles back and forth between the sites of different trials, Jesus’s body had become defenseless to the harsh scourging he would suffer hours later.

In March 1965 Dr. C. Truman Davis wrote an article titled “A medical explanation of what Jesus endured on the day He died,” published in Arizona Medicine by Arizona Medical Association. Davis, an ophthalmologist, a pastor, and author of a book about medicine and the Bible, wrote that the flagrum, a short whip with small balls of lead tied near the ends of each thong, “is brought down with full force again and again across Jesus’s shoulders, back, and legs. At first, the heavy thongs cut through the skin only.”

The succeeding blows, however, “cut deeper into the subcutaneous tissues, producing first an oozing of blood from the capillaries and veins of the skin and finally, spurting arterial bleeding from vessels in the underlying muscles.”  The whip tears into the deep skeletal muscles to produce ribbons of bleeding flesh.

At the mocking of Jesus, a crown of thorns was driven into his scalp, causing more bleeding, the scalp being among the most veined parts of the human body. They returned his robe, only to tear it off again, again opening the wounds whose dried blood has adhered to the cloth.

Finally, the journey to the Calvary begins. The heavy crossbar weighing 34 to 57 kg weight is put across his nape and shoulders. Today, men can swing sacks of rice weighing 50 kilos on their backs. But remember that Jesus was already very weak, had lost a great amount of blood, was in excruciating pain, and was under emotional strain.

He stumbles and falls repeatedly that Simon of Cyrene was ordered to carry the cross part of the way. More pain is coming. In preparation for his nailing to the cross, Jesus is violently thrown backward, grinding his continuously bleeding wounds onto the wood and possibly allowing dirt to enter them. Iron spikes measuring 5 t o 7 inches are driven through Jesus’ hands (some accounts say the wrists would be more accurate location. Medically speaking, the wrists are part of the hands). Because the hand is full of sensory nerves, any stimulation would cause agonizing shots of pain in both arms, and maybe throughout the body.

The feet are nailed next, and Jesus is now crucified. The nailed hands carry the weight of Jesus’s whole body and tear at the wounds. Meanwhile, the stimulation of the nerves in feet is also causing Jesus much pain.

Davis writes, “As He slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating, fiery pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms – the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As He pushes Himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, He places His full weight on the nail through His feet. Again, there is the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the metatarsal bones of the feet.”

In all of these sufferings, Christ did not open His mouth. He did not grumble nor complain. Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7) 

The same scenario was explained by Apostle Peter, ““He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:22-23)

Many people today try to imitate the sufferings of Christ in many ways. They hurt themselves by carrying the cross, flagellations, and even nailing themselves in the cross like Christ did. However, is this how people can share or can partake of the sufferings of Christ?

Apostle Peter tells us that, “But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice…” (1 Peter 4:13) He emphasizes that there are people who have shared with Christ sufferings. The question is, how?

Servants of God, who were called to be holy in the church of God, share with the sufferings of Christ because they experience sufferings while serving God. Apostle Paul tells us, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co- heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17)

He adds, “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Sufferings will be a part of serving God. These sufferings are different from what other people experience. Other people have sufferings because of their sins. Servants of God suffer because of the trials and tests of faith.

A servant, therefore, should rejoice; because he partakes with Christ’s sufferings when he suffers too. But that doesn’t mean he partakes only with the sufferings. A servant also partakes in happiness. Apostle Paul mentions this, “And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:7) 

So, if we sow with tears in this lifetime, the time will come we will reap with joy and gladness of heart. The gladness we are talking about here is when we receive the promise of God. Jesus Christ promised to give a special place, which He will prepare for His followers when He comes back (John 14:1-3).

This is the culminating glory that will be revealed for those who share in the sufferings of Christ in this lifetime. On that day, we shall receive the eternal reward in heaven. Everything will be gone, the sufferings, tears, hunger and thirst. We will all rejoice with God in His kingdom (Revelations 21:1-4).

However, to those who did not share in His sufferings, instead, lived their lives according to the pleasures and sins of the world, eternal punishment will be their reward. The Bible tells us, “You have been living delicately on earth and have taken your pleasure; you have made your hearts fat for a day of destruction.” (James 5:5) 

Filipino Translations:

Ang naranasang hirap sa pagkakatawang tao ng Panginoong Hesus ay walang katumbas. Kinailangan Niyang pagdaanan ang lahat ng mga hirap na ito sapagkat pawang nasulat sa aklat ng mga Propeta.

Halimbawa’y ang nakasaad sa Isaias 53: 3-6 na sinasabi,

“Siya’y hinamak at itinakuwil ng mga tao; isang taong sa kapanglawan, at bihasa sa karamdaman:at gaya ng isa na pinagkublihan ng kanilang mukha ng mga tao, na siya’y hinamak, at hindi natin hinalagahan siya. Tunay na kaniyang dinala ang ating mga karamdaman, at dinala ang ating mga kapanglawan; gayon ma’y ating pinalagay siya na hinampas, sinaktan ng Dios, at dinalamhati. Nguni’t siya’y nasugatan dahil sa ating mga pagsalangsang, siya’y nabugbog dahil sa ating mga kasamaan, ang parusa ng tungkol sa ating kapayapaan ay nasa kaniya; at sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang mga latay ay nagsigaling tayo. Tayong lahat na gaya ng mga tupa ay naligaw; tayo ay tumungo bawa’t isa sa kaniyang sariling daan; at ipinasan sa kaniya ng Panginoon ang kasamaan nating lahat.”

Sinasabi ng mga Bible scholars na ang pangangatawan ng Panginoong Hesus ay malakas, matipuno at malusog palibhasa ay lumaking anluwagi at taglay ang diet ng isang Meditteranean. Subalit nang araw na Siya ay dakpin hanggang doon sa araw na Siya ay ipako sa krus, halos 36 na oras Siyang gising. Dagdag pa dito ang halos 2.5 milyang paglalakad nang paroo’t parito.

Ang lalong nagbigay sa Kaniya ng paghihirap ay ang paghataw sa Kaniyang likod. Sa pagaaral na ginawa ni Dr. C. Truman Davis, na sumulat ng aklat tungkol sa “Medical Explanation of what Jesus Endured on the day He died,” na na-published sa Arizona Medicine ng Arizona Medical Association, ay sumulat na ang flagrum na ginamit na panghampas sa Kaniyang likod ay isang maiksing pamalo na may bolang gawa sa tingga sa dulo nito. Inihampas ito nang buong puwersa sa Kaniyang likod, leeg, batok, binti at hita. Sa una ay sumusugat ang mabigat na balat (thongs) sa Kaniyang balat, subalit kasunod nito ay ang malalim na pagkakabaon ng mga bolitas, na nagpaluwa ng Kaniyang mga balat at laman, kasunod ang pagdaloy nang dugo mula sa ugat na nasugatan nang husto.

Kasunod nito ang paglalagay sa Kaniya ng koronang tinik na ibinaon sa Kaniyang anit at ulo, na lalong nagdulot ng pag-agos ng maraming dugo. Pagkatapos ay pinasan Niya ang horizontal bar na gawa sa kahoy na may timbang na halos 34 hanggang 57 kilos, at halos kalahating milya ang Kaniyang nilakad hanggang sa bundok ng Golgota. Ilang beses Siyang nadapa sa tindi ng hirap, kung kaya’t naatasan si Simon ng Cirenea na magdala ng krus.

Patuloy ang hirap at sakit na nadama ng Panginoong Hesus nang Siya ay sapilitang ipinako sa Krus, na ang Kaniyang mga sugat sa likod ay marahil lalong nagdugo bunga ng pagkakadikit nito sa kahoy. At ang mga pako na tinatayang may sukat na 5 hanggang 7 pulgada ay ibinaon sa Kaniyang mga kamay. Ang ibang nagsasaad ay nagsasabing sa pulso ito ibinaon. Ang pulso ay maituturing na bahagi pa din ng kamay. At dahil ang kamay ay puno ng sensory nerves, lalong nadama ng Panginoong Hesus ang sakit na idinulot ng pagkakapako nito. Kasunod ay ipinako ang Kaniyang mga paa. Ang bigat ng Kaniyang katawan ay halos binubuhat ng nakapako Niyang mga kamay habang nadarama Niya ang sakit hanggang sa Kaniyang talampakan.

Sa lahat ng mga ito ay hindi nagbuka ng bibig ang Panginoong Hesus. Hindi Siya nagreklamo o dumaing man lang. Natupad ang sinabi ng Propeta Isaias, “Siya’y napighati, gayon man nang siya’y dinalamhati ay hindi nagbuka ng kaniyang bibig; gaya ng kordero na dinadala sa patayan, at gaya ng tupang nasa harap ng mga manggugupit sa kaniya ay pipi, gayon ma’y hindi niya binuka ang kaniyang bibig.” (Isaias 53:7)

Ganito din ang naging paliwanag ni Apostol Pedro, “Na, nang siya’y alipustain, ay hindi gumanti ng pagalipusta; nang siya’y magbata, ay hindi nagbala; kundi ipinagkatiwala ang kaniyang sarili doon sa humahatol ng matuwid: Na siya rin ang nagdala ng ating mga kasalanan sa kaniyang katawan sa ibabaw ng kahoy, upang pagkamatay natin sa mga kasalanan, ay mangabuhay tayo sa katuwiran; na dahil sa kaniyang mga sugat ay nangagsigaling kayo.” (1 Pedro 2:22-23)

Sa panahon nating ito, sa kagustuhan ng mga tao na gunitain ang mga hirap at sakit ng Panginoong Hesus, ay nagsasagawa sila ng sari-saring bagay ng pagpapahirap sa kanilang mga sarili. Ang iba’y nagpipinetensiya, nagpapasan ng krus, naglalakad ng paluhod at ang iba’y sadyang pisikal na nagpapapako sa krus. Datapuwat, sa ganitong bagay ba maaaring makaramay sa mga hirap at sakit ng ating Panginoong Hesus?

Sa sulat ni Apostol Pedro (1 Pedtro 4:13), binanggit niya, “Kundi kayo’y mangagalak, sapagka’t kayo’y mga karamay sa mga hirap ni Cristo…” Dito ay binibigyang diin na may mga taong naging karamay ng ating Panginoong Hesuskristo. Subalit sa paanong paraan?

Ang mga itinuturing na mga anak ng Dios, samakatuwid ay yaong mga napabilang sa Kaniyang kulungan, sa iglesia ng Dios ay nagiging kabahagi at karamay sa Kaniyang hirap sa paraan ng pakikipagtiis sa Kaniya. Gaya nang sinabi, “At kung mga anak, ay mga tagapagmana nga; mga tagapagmana sa Dios, at mga kasamang tagapagmana ni Cristo; kung gayon nga makipagtiis tayo sa kaniya, upang tayo’y lumuwalhati namang kasama niya.” (Roma 8:17)

Kaya nga, “lahat ng ibig mabuhay na may kabanalan kay Cristo Jesus ay mangagbabata ng paguusig.” (2 Timoteo 3:12) Ang mga tiising nararanasan ng isang lingkod ay palatandaan ng pagiging karamay sa mga naging paghihirap ng ating Panginoong Hesus. Datapuwat, ang pagtitiis ng isang lingkod ay iba sa karaniwang tinitiis ng maraming mga tao. May mga kapighatiang nararanasan ang tao bunga ng kanilang pagkakasala. Ang mga lingkod ay nakakaranas ng pagtitiis bunga ng mga pagsubok na ipinadadala sa kanila ng Dios.

Kung ang isang lingkod ay nakakaranas ng pagtitiis bunga ng mga pagsubok at kapighatian, gaya nang sinabi ng Biblia, dapat magalak ang mga lingkod sapagkat sila ay tunay na nagiging karamay sa mga hirap ng Panginoong Hesus. Ibig sabihin ay nagiging kabahagi ang isang mananampalataya sa pagdadala ng mga hirap at sakit ng Panginoong Hesus.

Kung naging karamay man ang isang lingkod, hindi naman sila hahayaan na pawang kapighatian na lamang ang kanilang mararanasan. Sinabi ng Biblia na maging sa kaaliwan ay karamay sila, “At ang aming pagasa tungkol sa inyo ay matibay; yamang nalalaman na kung paanong kayo’y mga karamay sa mga sakit, ay gayon din naman kayo sa kaaliwan.” (2 Corinto 1:7) 

Kung naghasik man sila nang may luha sa panahong ito, darating ang araw na sila ay aani na may kagalakan. Ang tinutukoy nating pagani ng kagalakan ay kung makakamit na ang pangakong buhay na walang hanggan. Ipinangako ni Hesus, ang tahanan na Kaniyang inihanda para sa Kaniyang mga lingkod (Juan 14:1-3), at ang pangakong ito ay ang pinakalundo ng lahat ng ating tiisin. Sapagkat sa araw na yaon, na ating makakamit ang buhay na walang hanggan, sa langit, lahat ng bagay ay papawiin ng Dios, wala nang hirap, dusa, luhat at panambitan, wala nang gutom at uhaw, kundi pawang kaligayahan sa piling ng Ama (Apocalipsis 21:1-4).

Datapuwat sa kanilang mga hindi naging karamay at sa halip ay nagpakasarap lamang sa layaw at kasamaan ng sanlibutang ito ay nakalaan ang parusang walang hanggan. Gaya nang sinabi, “Kayo’y nangabuhay ng tamasa sa ibabaw ng lupa, at nangagalak; inyong pinataba ang inyong mga puso sa araw ng patayan.” (Santiago 5:5)