(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Ipinapayo ng Biblia sa Nagsisigawa ng Mabuti” for April 23, 2015)

The words of God are likened to good seeds, which were sown in a field. Since it was sown in a good field, it resulted to produce good fruits. Jesus says, “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:15) God expects everyone to produce good deeds and this shows that we are indeed sown with His words.

God doesn’t expect fruits from those who do not recognize Him, from those who do not accept His words. Only those who hear His words are expected to produce fruit.

The Bible tells us that those who produce good fruits have pure hearts. The effect of God’s words in their hearts made them pure. Thus, in everything they do, they always seek good intentions. They always value the words of God like they value their lives.

They do not deviate from His words no matter what they experience in life and continue to do good deeds because they know God is truly looking for it.

Apostle Paul advises, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10) We need to take every opportunity to do good deeds as long as we can. This is God’s purpose for everyone, to do His will, to do good deeds, and this is why He had called us to be His servants unto His church (1 Corinthians 1:1-2), we are called to be holy. Doing good deeds, walking in His will is holiness in God’s eyes.

However, doing good deeds and walking unto His will has a price for all servants of God. Apostle Paul mentions, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12) Thus, anyone who wishes to be worthy in God’s eyes will have to suffer painful experiences in life. Every believer should expect this. Jesus warns His disciples before about this, “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)

Apostle Paul attested to this statement of Christ for all faithful who wishes to follow Him. They will definitely experience painful things. In his letter in 2 Corinthians 7:5, he mentions, “For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn —conflicts on the outside, fears within.” Not only that they experienced persecutions outside the church of God, but as well as from those who were members of God’s church. Do not wonder if we experience this in our times.

To be able to withstand such painful experiences, we need to follow the instructions of the Bible. We should not let these sufferings affect our faith. Apostle Pete tells us, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10) We need to show that amidst these sufferings, persecutions and many other trials that befall us, we are always hopeful in God at all times, that we are always strong when we feel weak. This was explained by Apostle Paul, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Even if we are suffering, we continue to show good intentions. Even if others treated us rudely and wrongly, we respond to the goodness of heart. Apostle Peter tells us of this, “keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:16) Christ’s examples should be imitated, that when He suffered from persecutions, He did not take revenge but showed mercy, compassion and forgiveness (1 Peter 2:21-23).

Let us not forget that we are servants of God. Do not allow hatred root in us. Let us allow God to take His revenge for us. Revenge is for God alone. Listen to what Apostle Paul tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.” (Colossians 3:23-25)

Filipino Translations:

Ang mga salita ng Dios ay itinulad sa mga mabuting binhi na inihasik sa mabuting lupa, na sapagkat mabuti ang lupa, nagbunga ito ng mabuting gawa. Gaya nang pahayag, “ang sa mabuting lupa ay ang mga pusong timtiman at mabuti, na iniingatan ang salita pagkarinig, at nangagbubunga may pagtitiis.” (Lukas 8:15) Kung mayroon mang inaasahan ang Dios sa atin ay ang paggawa ng mabuti, sa ganito’y mahayag na tayo ang nahasikan ng Kaniyang mga salita.

Hindi inaasahan ng Dios na ang mga hindi kumilala at tumanggap sa Kaniyang mga salita ay kakikitaan Niya ng mga mabuting gawa. Ang tunay Niyang hinahanap ay ang mabuting bunga na magmumula sa kanilang nahasikan ng Kaniyang mga salita.

Gaya nang pahayag, taglay nila ang pusong timtiman, na ang ibig sabihin, sapagkat nagkaroon ng epekto sa kanila ang mga salita ng Dios, pawang mabubuting intensyon lamang ang sa kanila’y makikita. Bawat katuwiran na kanilang tinatanggap ay kanilang iniingatan at pinahahalagahan sa kanilang sarili. Nagbubunga ito ng pagtitiis sa kanilang buhay kaya’t anuman ang kanilang maranasan, nagpapatuloy sila sa paggawa ng mabuti na tunay na hinahanap ng Dios.

Kaya’t ipinayo ni Pablo, “Kaya nga, samantalang tayo’y may pagkakataon, ay magsigawa tayo ng mabuti sa lahat, at lalong lalo na sa mga kasangbahay sa pananampalataya.” (Galacia 6:10) Ibig sabihin habang may pagkakataon tayo ay samantalahin natin ang paggawa ng mabuti sa lahat. Ito ang layunin ng Dios sa atin, ang lumakad tayo sa mabuti, ang gumanap ng Kaniyang kalooban. At ito ang dahilan kung bakit tayo tinawag ng Dios sa loob ng iglesia ng Dios (1 Corinto 1:1-2), ang magpakabanal. Ang paggawa ng mabuti ay kabanalan sa paningin ng Dios.

Sinabi na ng Biblia, “… at lahat na ibig mabuhay na may kabanalan kay Cristo Jesus ay mangagbabata ng paguusig.” (2 Timoteo 3:12) Samakatuwid, sinumang ibig gumawa ng kabanalan o mabuting bagay ay magdadaan sa maraming kapighatian. At ito ay dapat asahan ng lahat ng ibig maglingkod sa Dios. Ipinagpauna ng Panginoong Hesus noon pa sa Kaniyang mga alagad, “sa sanlibutang ito ay mayroon kayong kapighatian, kaya’t laksan ninyo ang inyong loob.” (Juan 16:33)

Ang patunay ni Pablo sa kanilang karanasan sa Macedonia ay nagpapahayag na sila man ay hindi nakatakas sa mga mapapait na karanasan, “nagsidating man kami sa Macedonia ang aming laman ay hindi nagkaroon ng katiwasayan, kundi sa lahat kami ay pinipighati; sa labas ay mga pagbabaka, sa loob ay mga katakutan.” (2 Corinto 7:5)

Hindi lamang pala sa labas ng iglesia nakaranas ang mga unang lingkod ng kapighatian, maging sa gitna ng mga kapatid ay naranasan nila ang mapighati. Kaya’t kung tayo man sa panahong ito halimbawa ay makaranas ng ganitong uri ng kapighatian, sa kabila ng ating pagtatapat sa Kaniya ay hindi tayo dapat magtaka.

Kaya naman, upang tayo ay makapagtiis, ipinayo ng Biblia na maging matatag tayo at huwag nating payagang tayo ay matinag ng mga kapighatiaang ito. Sinabi ng Biblia, “lalong pagsikapan ninyo na mangapanatag kayo sa pagkatawag at pagkahirang sa inyo: sapagka’t kung gawin ninyo ang mga bagay na ito ay hindi kayo mangatitisod kailan man.” (2 Pedro 1:10)

Ipakita natin na sa kabila ng mga kahirapan, paguusig at kapighatiang ito na ating napagdadaanan ay nananatili an gating matibay na pagasa sa Dios. Gaya nang pagkasabi ni Pablo, “Kaya nga ako’y nagagalak sa mga kahinaan, sa mga pagkaapi, sa mga pangangailangan, sa mga pagkakausig, sa mga paghihinagpis, dahil kay Cristo: sapagka’t pagka ako’y mahina, ako nga’y malakas.” (2 Corinto 12:10)

Manatili pa din tayong taglay ang mabuting intension sa kabila ng masasamang bagay na maaaring ginagawa sa atin. Kung masama man ang ipinakikita sa atin ay gantihin natin ito ng kabutihan upang sila na nagsisigawa ng kasamaan ay mangapahiya. Gaya nang sinabi ni Apostol Pedro, “Na taglay ang mabuting budhi; upang, sa mga bagay na salitain laban sa inyo, ay mangapahiya ang nagsisialipusta sa inyong mabuting paraan ng pamumuhay kay Cristo.” (1 Pedro 3:16)

Ang halimbawa ng Panginoong Hesus ay maging uliran sa atin, na Siya bagama’t inupasala ay hindi kinakitaan ng pagganti, manapa ang narinig sa Kaniya ay ang aral ng pagpapatawad (1 Pedro 2:21-23). Ang mga ito ay halimbawa na iniwan sa atin upang ating tularan.

Tandaan natin na tayo ay mga lingkod ng Dios. Hayaan nating ang Dios ang gumanti para sa atin. Tungkol sa mga kapatid natin na maaaring gumagawa ng masama sa atin, hayaan nating ang Dios ang sumaway sa kanila. Sundin natin ang payo, “Anomang inyong ginagawa, ay inyong gawin ng buong puso, na gaya ng sa Panginoon, at hindi sa mga tao; Yamang inyong nalalaman na sa Panginoon ay tatanggapin ninyo ang ganting mana; sapagka’t naglilingkod kayo sa Panginoong Jesucristo. Sapagka’t ang gumagawa ng masama ay tatanggap ng ayon sa masama na kaniyang ginawa; at walang itinatanging mga tao.” (Colosas 3:23-25)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Tanging Magagawa ng mga Kapatid na Naghahangad ng Kaharian ng Langit” for April 26, 2015)

The road going to the Kingdom of Heaven was obviously taught by the Bible. Only through Christ, we can enter His kingdom. There is no other way. Christ is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6) 

Anyone who wishes to enter the Kingdom of Heaven should seek Christ first. The Bible tells us that only through the name of Christ, we should attain salvation. It says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”(Acts 4:12) 

The way mentioned here is the way, which Apostle Paul taught to the Gentiles, that he persecuted before when he was still Saul. Raised up as a Jew, and studied under Gamaliel, was thoroughly trained in the laws of God, he was very zealous of God and made him persecute the way, the church of God (Acts 22:3). The next verse tells us that, he persecuted the church of God, “I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.” (Galatians 1:13)

Even if it says that it is the followers of the church that he persecuted, Christ told him that it is Him that was persecuted. The book of Acts tells us, “He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied” (Acts 9:4-5)

Christ is the head of the church of God. If someone hurts the church or its followers, they also hurt Christ. This is the reason why Christ is the only way to salvation. He is the source of the words that give eternal life. Apostle Peter tells us, “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

Becoming a member of His church, therefore, is a requirement of attaining everlasting life. This is the direction where the Bible is pointing everyone. It says, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (John 12:26)

Doing God’s will in His church is what God expects everyone to fulfill. If we really want to have eternal life, we need to follow the right direction. Otherwise, we can get lost. We need to follow God’s will and commands. However, in obeying His will we need to be truthful at all times. There are those who obey, but were only forced to do so. There are those who obey, but for own sake or other’s sake only. There are those who obey for material benefits.

However, there are those who obey because they truly believe and trust God. Absolute obedience is what God wants us to do. Make sure that we do His will absolutely and humbly. The Bible tells us, “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)

If we obey His will, we should assure that we are always truthful and faithful. We obey truthfully, even without someone is looking at us. We should not make a right or left turn, and we keep our feet away from all wickedness (Job 23:11).

Unfortunately, not all can do this. Only those who know His will absolutely can fulfill His will absolutely. Those who pretend that they know His will can never do them.

The Bible tells us, “Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God” (Jeremiah 42:6) This means that a true faithful will always remain faithful no matter what happens. He will do God’s will, all the time of his life, whether he suffers from painful things or been blessed with happiness in life.

A true sheep hears the words of God (John 10:3-5), and a true servant of God follows His will, not only for a short time only but as long as he is living and until his death.

Filipino Translations:

Ang direksiyon patungo sa Kaharian ng Langit ay maliwanag na itinuro sa atin ng Biblia. Tanging kay Hesus natin masusumpungan ang daan ng kaligtasan. Wala tayong ibang puwedeng pagdaanan. Si Kristo, ang daan, ang katotohanan at ang buhay (Juan 14:6).

Sinumang nagiibig na makarating sa Kaharian ng Langit ay magdadaan sa Panginoong Hesus. Maliban sa Kaniya ay walang kaligtasan ang sinuman (Gawa 4:12), walang ibang pangalan sa silong ng langit, na ibinigay sa mga tao, na sukat nating ikaligtas. 

Ang daan na ito ang itinuro ni Apostol Pablo sa mga Kahentilan, na nang una ay kaniyang inusig nang siya ay tinatawag pang Saulo. Palibhasa’y lumaking Hudyo, masikap sa kabanalan at mga bagay na ukol sa Dios, sinikap niyang pagusigin ang daan, ang Iglesia ng Dios. (Gawa 22:3)

Katunayan sa susunod na talata ay mababasa, “At aking pinagusig ang Daang ito hanggang sa mamatay, na tinatalian at ipinapasok sa mga bilangguan ang mga lalake at gayon din ang mga babae.” (Gawa 22:4) Ito din ang isinulat niya sa mga taga-Galacia, “Sapagka’t inyong nabalitaan ang aking pamumuhay nang nakaraang panahon sa relihion ng mga Judio, kung paanong aking inuusig na malabis, at nilipol ang iglesia ng Dios.” (Galacia 1:13) 

Bagaman iglesia ang kaniyang inusig, isinaad ng Biblia na si Hesus ang Kaniyang inusig, sapagkat si Kristo ay ang ulo ng iglesia at ang iglesia ay Kaniyang katawan. Natala ito sa aklat ng mga Gawa ng mga Apostol (Gawa 9:4-5), “At siya’y nasubasob sa lupa, at nakarinig ng isang tinig na sa kaniya’y nagsasabi, Saulo, Saulo, bakit mo ako pinaguusig? At sinabi niya, Sino ka baga, Panginoon? At sinabi niya, Ako’y si Jesus na iyong pinaguusig.”

Kaya’t tanging Siya lamang ang daan ng kaligtasan, ang kinaroonan ng mga salita ng buhay na walang hanggan, gaya nang Kaniyang pahayag, “Sinagot siya ni Simon Pedro, Panginoon, kanino kami magsisiparoon? ikaw ang may mga salita ng buhay na walang hanggan.” (Juan 6:68)

Kaya’t ang pag-anib sa iglesia ng Dios ay paraan upang masumpungan ang buhay na walang hanggan. Ito ang itinuturo ng Biblia na kailangang magawa nating mga tao dahil ang pahayag, “Kung ang sinomang tao’y naglilingkod sa akin, ay sumunod sa akin; at kung saan ako naroroon, ay doon naman doroon ang lingkod ko: kung ang sinomang tao’y maglingkod sa akin, ay siya’y pararangalan ng Ama.” (Juan 12:26) 

At ito ang itinuturo ng ating aralin, ang pagsunod o pagtalima sa Kaniyang mga palatuntunan, sa loob ng Kaniyang iglesia. Ito lamang ang tanging magagawa natin kung hangad natin ang makaparoon sa Kaharian ng Langit. Datapuwat sa pagsunod o pagtalima ay mayroong hinahanap ang Dios sa atin. Mayroong sumusunod na parang napipilitan lamang. May sumusunod na nagbibigay lugod lamang sa sarili o sa kapuwa. May sumusunod na naghihintay ng materyal na bagay na kapalit.

Mayroon naming tumatalima sapagkat atas ng kanilang pagtitiwala sa Dios. Lubos na pagtalima ang hinahanap ng Dios sa atin. Gaya nang pahayag, “Kaniyang ipinakilala sa iyo, Oh tao, kung ano ang mabuti; at ano ang hinihingi ng Panginoon sa iyo, kundi gumawa na may kaganapan, at ibigin ang kaawaan, at lumakad na may kababaan na kasama ng iyong Dios.” (Mikas 6:8) At gaganap na din lamang, tiyakin nating ito ay may kaganapan at kababaan.

At sa pagsunod natin, tiyakin nating ito ay gagawin natin nang buong katapatan. Gaganap at tatalima tayo kahit walang nakakakita sa atin. At gaganapin natin itong may pagtatapat, na hindi tayo liliko sa kanan o sa kaliwa, kundi iingatan natin ang ating mga paa sa paglakad nang lubos sa Kaniyang mg autos (Job 23:11).

Bagaman ito ay atas, hindi lahat ay makagagawa nito. Ang makagagawa lamang nito ay siyang nakakakilala ng tunay na kalooban ng Dios. Silang mga hindi ganap ang pagkakilala sa Kaniyang mga kalooban ay masusumpungan pa din sa hindi lubos na pagtalima. Ngunit silang sa Kaniya’y may lubos na pagkilala ay magtatapat anuman ang dumating sa kanilang buhay.

Gaya nang sinabi ng Biblia, “Maging mabuti, o maging masama, aming tatalimahin ang tinig ng Panginoon nating Dios.” (Jeremias 42:6) Ibig sabihin, mabuti man o masama ang kalagayan ng buhay ay mananatili sa pagtatapat. Subukin man o magdanas man ng mabibigat na karanasan ay mananatiling tapat sa Kaniya.

Ang tunay na tupa ay dumidinig ng tinig ng Panginoong Dios (Juan 10:3-5). At ang tunay na lingkod ay tumatalima sa Kaniyang mga kalooban, hindi lamang sa sandaling panahon, kundi samantalang taglay nito ang buhay at lakas na kaloob ng Dios.

(From the sermon entitled,” Ang Itinakdang Gampanin sa Lahat ng Magtatagumpay” for April 30 and May 3, 2015)

Obedience to the will of God is expected to every servant. The primary duty of everyone is to fear God and obey His will and commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13). This is the reason why we were created, and we need to fulfill this purpose.

In fulfilling this duty, it is we who will benefit most and not God. He will remain the Most Highest and Most Almighty God, even if we do not obey His will. The loss will be on us if we do not obey His will because we lose the chance to become part of His promise and reward.

If we decide to fulfill this purpose, we need to make sure we are prepared to fulfill it until the end. We need to be consistent, determined and triumphant in order to achieve God’s promise and reward. The Bible tells us, “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)

Apostle Paul tells us that we need to value the duty (ministry) given to us more than we value our lives (Acts 20:24). This means our priority in life should be focused not on material things, but to the spiritual duty that God has trusted over us. This also means we need to make lots of sacrifices if necessary.

In the parable of talent (Matthew 25:14-17), Jesus tells us that each of us is given a talent according to the desire of God. This talent should be used, make the most out of it, should be beneficial to us and should bear fruit of good works. This should not be hidden or something that we should be ashamed of. Each talent given should be an opportunity to do holy works, not on our personal pleasure, but to the pleasure of the Almighty God.

We please God by using the talent given to us. However, not all who were given talent become fruitful. Some of them were afraid to use it. Some were just enthusiastic in the beginning, but became complacent and lazy as years go by. Some were not able to continue when they experience sufferings and trials of life. There are some who started in the spirit, but finishing it in the flesh (Galatians 3:3). These people will not bear fruit. They will never please God.

God expects us to utilize the talent given to us. God wants us to be more of a doer than a listener (James 1:23-25). It is useless if we say we have faith in the absence of good works. Anyone who does the will of God will be revealed. Their actions and fruits will reveal them. Changes will be seen in their lives. Their wisdom and understanding grow and their faith in God flourishes. Progress is evident to those who do the will of God (1 Timothy 4:15).

This fulfills what Jesus Christ tells us, “But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)

And so, along with understanding, acceptance of His will and duty is a great responsibility for every servant of God. Let us remember that God cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7-8). Whatever we sow now, so shall we reap at an appointed time. God harvests where He has not sown and gathers where He have not scattered seed. He expects us to give importance on every duty given to us. If we are not seen giving importance, then this will reflect back against us in the future. God expects us to bear fruits.

What authority will be given to those who will become triumphant?

One of God’s promise to His followers is written in Revelations 2:26, which says, “To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations —…” What is the meaning of this? What kind of authority will God give to those who will become victorious? Will God make us Presidents, Kings and Emperors of this world?

The Bible answers us clearly; the authority is about judging the world at the Day of Judgment. Apostle Paul tells us of this, “Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world…” (1 Corinthians 6:2)

In a vision shown to Apostle John, we can read, “I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge.” (Revelations 20:4) Those people mentioned here are faithful servants of God who have overcome the world. They will be given a chance to become helpers of God in the Day of Judgment.

No wonder why we were not given an authority and freedom to judge others today, it’s because this authority has not been given to us yet. There will come a time that this authority will be delegated to the faithful servants of God. Apostle Paul tells us about this, “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.” (1 Corinthians 4:5)

For now, God challenges us to be faithful in our holy obligations and duties. Each member of the church of God was given an ability to fulfill each duty. Every ability is a huge responsibility that we need to fulfill.

Let us start fulfilling it in our homes. Let us become good parents to our children, become good children to our parents and become good friends to everyone. Being good here doesn’t mean good only according to what our heart desires. Being good here means being good according to the will and desires of the Lord.

Let us not get weary and lazy, but let us be persistent, because we will reap the reward and God’s promise at an appointed time. Also, we were advised to give importance to every assembly or gathering of the church (Hebrews 10:25). Let us encourage one another to meet together for the Lord, and do not be like others who have habits of neglecting them.

Most of all, we need to keep our spiritual duties with all zealousness and faithfulness, like what Apostle Paul tells us, “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” (2 Timothy 1:14) 

Above all else, if we can be faithful in our duties and holy obligations, we need to learn how to appreciate God’s goodness and blessings. These are all God’s grace and mercy for everyone. And as His servant, we are expected to offer praise and thanksgiving in all of His love towards us.

Filipino Translation:

Ang pagtupad o pagtalima sa kaloban ng Dios ay inaasahan sa lahat ng mga lingkod. Ang buong tungkulin nating mga tao ay magkaroon ng takot sa Dios at sundin ang Kaniyang mg autos (Eclesiastes 12:13). Ito ang dahilan ng pagkakalikha sa ating mga tao, kung kaya’t dapat lamang na matugunan natin ang katungkulang ito.

Sa pagganap ng tungkuling ito, ang higit na makikinabang ay walang iba kundi tayo at hindi ang Dios. Ganapin man natin ang tungkuling ito o hindi, mananatiling ang Dios ay Makapagyarihang Dios. Subalit, isang malaking kawalan naman para sa atin, sapagkat mawawalan tayo ng pagkakataon sa Kaniyang pangako at gantimpala.

Kung tayo ay gaganap, dapat nating matiyak na tatapusin natin ang anumang napasimulan natin. Kailangan ang pananatili, pagpapatuloy at pagtatagumpay alang-alang sa ikapagtatamo ng pangako at gantimpala. Kaya naman, inaasahan ng Dios na bawat isa ay gaganap na may kaganapan gaya nang pahayag, “Kaniyang ipinakilala sa iyo, Oh tao, kung ano ang mabuti; at ano ang hinihingi ng Panginoon sa iyo, kundi gumawa na may kaganapan, at ibigin ang kaawaan, at lumakad na may kababaan na kasama ng iyong Dios.” (Mikas 6:8)

Sa sulat ni Apostol Pablo, ipinayo niya na ang pagpapahalagang dapat nating ibigay sa tungkuling ito ay dapat na higit pa sa pagpapahalaga natin sa sarili nating buhay (Gawa 20:24). Ibig sabihin, ang dapat na maging pangunahin sa atin ay ang tungkuling ito. At upang magawa ito, maraming mga bagay ang kailangan nating isakripisyo. Ang lahat ng ito ay alang-alang sa katungkulang kaloob sa atin.

Sa isang talinhaga na inilahad ng Panginoong Hesus (Mateo 25:14-17), bawat isa ay binibigyan ng talento sa iba’t ibang kasukatan. Ang talentong ito na bigay Niya ay dapat gamitin, pakinabangan at dapat na kakitaan ng pagbubunga. Hindi ito dapat itago, ikahiya at ipagdamot. Bawat talentong kaloob sa isang lingkod ay pagkakataon na gumawa ng mabuti at ng kabanalan, hindi sa sariling kapurihan kundi sa kapurihan ng Dios.

Ikinalulugod ng Dios kung ang talentong kaloob Niya ay gagamitin, pakikinabangan at magbubunga. Subalit ang nakalulungkot, hindi lahat ay kinakitaan ng pagbubunga. Mayroong ilan na natakot na gamitin ang talento. Mayroong ilan na sa pasimula lamang mahusay. Hindi nakapagpatuloy nang dumating na ang mga mabibigat na pagsubok ng buhay. Mayroon namang nagpasimula sa pagpapakasakdal sa espiritu, datapuwat kalaunan ay sa laman na nagpapakasdal (Galacia 3:3). Hindi magbubunga kaylanman ang ganito. Kaylanman ay hindi makapagbibigay ng lugod sa Dios.

Ang hangad ng Dios, gamitin at pakinabangan ang kaloob Niya sa atin. Ang gusto Niya, maging tagatupad tayo at hindi lamang tagapakinig ng Kaniyang mga salita (Santiago 1:25). Walang kabuluhan at walang bunga kung tayo ay magiging tagapakinig lamang. Sinumang gumaganap ay nahahayag, sapagkat nakikita ang malaking pagbabago sa buhay, ang paglago ng unawa at ng pananampalataya. Ibig sabihin ay nahahayag ang pagsulong sapagkat mayroong pagsisikap (1 Timoteo 4:15).

Kaya’t natutulad ang ganito sa naging pahayag ng Panginoong Hesus, “At ang nahasik sa mabuting lupa, ay siyang dumirinig, at nakauunawa ng salita; na siyang katotohanang nagbubunga, ang ila’y tigisang daan, ang ila’y tigaanim na pu, at ang ila’y tigtatatlongpu.” (Mateo 13:23) 

Kaya’t kalakip ng pagkaunawa, pagtanggap sa Kaniyang mga kalooban at ng tungkuling Siya ay paglingkuran ay ang malaking pananagutan at responsibilidad. Pakatandaan nating ang Dios ay hindi napabibiro (Galacia 6:7-8), anuman ang inihasik natin ay siya din naman nating aanihin. Kung hindi tayo nakita sa pagpapahalaga sa tungkuling ito, mananagot tayo sa Dios. Umaani ang Dios sa hindi Niya hinasikan. Hahanapin Niya sa atin ang anumang bagay na ibinigay Niya sa atin, at inaasahan Niya na ito ay gagamitin natin, pakikibangan sa ating buhay at kakikitaan ng mabuting bunga.

Sa lahat ng magtatagumpay, ano ang itinakdang gampanin ng Dios?

Isa sa mga pangako ng Dios sa Kaniyang mga lingkod ay yaong napasulat sa Apocalipsis 2:26 na sinasabi, “At ang magtagumpay, at tumupad ng aking mga gawa hanggang sa katapusan, ay bibigyan ko ng kapamahalaan sa mga bansa.” Ano ang kahulugan nito? Anong uri ng kapahamalaan ang ibibigay ng Dios? Gagawin ba Niya tayong mga mga Pangulo, Hari at mga Emperador kung tayo ay magtagumpay?

Ang sagot ng Biblia ay maliwanag, ang kapamahalaang ibibigay ay tungkol sa paghatol sa Araw ng Paghuhukom. Sinabi ni Apostol Pablo, “O hindi baga ninyo nalalaman na ang mga banal ay magsisihatol sa sanglibutan?” (1 Corinto 6:2)

Sa ipinakitang pangitain kay Apostol Juan, mababasa natin, “At nakakita ako ng mga luklukan, at may mga nagsisiluklok sa mga ito, sila’y pinagkalooban ng paghatol…” (Apocalipsis 20:4) Mga lingkod ng Dios ang tinutukoy dito, na binigyan ng kapamahalaang maging mga hukom sa araw ng yaon. Makakatuwang sila ng Panginoong Hesus sa paghatol sa araw na yaon.

Kaya pala hindi tayo binigyan ng kalayaan at karapatang humatol sa kaninuman sa ngayon, sapagkat may panahon na itinakda ang Dios para sa kapamahalaang ito. Kaya pala sinabi ni Apostol Pablo, “Kaya nga huwag muna kayong magsihatol ng anoman, hanggang sa dumating ang Panginoon, na siya ang maghahayag ng mga bagay na nalilihim sa kadiliman, at ipahahayag naman ang mga haka ng mga puso…” (1 Corinto 4:5)

Sa ngayon, ang hamon sa atin ng Dios ay pagsikapang magampanan ang tungkuling kaloob sa atin. Bawat isang sangkap ng iglesia ng Dios ay biniyayaan ng kani-kaniyang tungkulin. At ang bawat tungkuling ito ay pananagutan na dapat magampanan.

Umpisahan natin sa ating sariling tahanan. Maging mabuting magulang tayo sa ating mga anak, at maging mabuting mga anak tayo sa ating mga magulang. Maging mabuting kapatid din tayo sa ating mga kapatid, at maging mabuting kaibigan tayo sa ating mga kapuwa. Ang pagiging mabuti na tinutukoy dito ay yaong naaayon hindi lamang sa ating pansariling damdamin o kalooban. Dapat ang lahat ng ating gagawin ay yaong naaayon sa kalooban ng Dios, yaong Kaniyang tunay na ikinalulugod.

Huwag din tayong maging tamad, kundi maging mapagpatuloy tayo, sapagkat sa takdang kapanahunan ay susuklian ng gantimpala ang anumang pagsisikap na ating ipinamalas. Sa pagkakatipon ay dapat tayong kakitaan ng sipag sa pagganap (Hebreo10:25), na huwag nating tularan ang iba na nagagawang magpabaya.

Higit sa lahat, ingatan natin ng buong pagsisikap ang ipinagkatiwala sa atin ng Dios, gaya nang pahayag, “Yaong mabuting bagay na ipinagkatiwala sa iyo ay ingatan mo sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo na nananahan sa atin.” (2 Timoteo 1:14)

Sa ibabaw ng lahat, kung tayo ay nakapananatili sa tungkuling ito, dapat naman nating ipakita ang malabis nating pagkilala sa mga kagandahang loob at pagibig ng Dios sa atin. Huwag nating kaligtaan ang pagpupuri at pagpapasalamat na tunay na nakapagbibigay ng kaluguran sa Kaniya.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga Tao na Pinili ng Dios upang Makatahan sa Loob ng Kaniyang Bahay” for May 7, 2015)

A servant was called by God to serve and dwell in His house. This is the place God has chosen for them so they can follow God with all their heart, fulfill their holy obligations and perform holy deeds according to His will. This is not a literal place per se, but a manner of service.

Calling can come only from God (Hebrews 5:4). Nobody receives the honor of being a servant except when called by God. God puts His people in His house, which is the Church of God (1 Timothy 3:15). Their purpose is to become the holy people of God (1 Corinthian 1:1-2), by fullfiling God’s laws, commands and will (John 12:26), a cross that they need to bear in all the days of their lives (Luke 9:23).

The reward for doing this is eternal and it will come from God Himself. Apostle Paul explains this, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

The reward, therefore, is very priceless and incomparable to anything in this life. However, not all who were called remained in Him. Some of them walked away because they cannot withstand the doctrines and instructions. Others cannot continue because of the sufferings and trials. Those who are  foolish and wicked will not remain in God’s house. They will not receive any reward from God.

It is God’s trait to clean His house of all unrighteousness. Members whose aim is not truthful and genuinely spiritual will be separated. If their purposes are according to their self-desires and not according to the will of God,  they will be removed out of His house. This was stated in the book of Psalms 101:7-8, which says, “No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the Lord.”

The administration doesn’t need to remove or excommunicate them. God owns this right. This is the reason why the church of God does not expel anyone. It was said in Psalms 125:5, “But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers.”

Who are those who can remain in His house?

Only those who are obedient to His will can withstand. Those who rebel against Him shall banish from His sight. Only those who are truthful in His presence shall remain and they who have strong trust and faith in the Lord. They are firm in following His will because God is their refuge and a strong rock of foundation. The Bible tells us of this, “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.” (Psalms 125:1) 

Those who truly trust God remain faithful to Him. Whatever they experience in life they can never be moved. They have continuously performed their holy duties and responsibilities because they are focused on their goal and not on the obstacles or hindrances of life. They are focused on the eternal reward and that gives them a strong motivation to continually serve God with all faithfulness. Servants who can do this bear fruit of righteousness and holiness, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit —fruit that will last… “ (John 15:16)

They are doing this because they know that all their hardships and sacrifices will be rewarded at an appointed time. They believe in the promise of God and they trust it. Apostle Paul tells us, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:18-19) 

And so, it is a blessed fate for all those who became children of God. We have the greatest chance to become heirs of His holy promise and see His greatness and goodness dwelling in His house. The book of Psalms 65:4 tells us, “Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.”

Filipino Translation

Bawat lingkod na tinatawag ng Dios upang sa Kaniya ay maglingkod ay inilalagay Niya sa isang dako. Ang dakong ito ay ang Kaniyang pinili upang doon ganapin ang kabanalan, paglilingkod at pagtupad sa Kaniyang mga palatuntunan. Hindi ito literal na dako, kundi pamamaraan ng paglilingkod.

Ang pagtawag ay nagmumula sa Dios (Hebreo5:4). Hindi nagtataglay ang sinuman ng karangalan, malibang siya ay tawagin ng Dios at sinumang tinatawag ay inilalagay sa bahay Niya, samakatuwid sa iglesia ng Dios. Tungkulin ng mga tinawag na magbanal (1 Corinto 1:1-2), ngunit higit sa lahat katungkulan nila ang pagtalima o pagsunod sa mga kalooban ng Dios (Juan 12:26). Ito ang krus na kailangang pasanin araw-araw ng bawat lingkod (Lukas 9:23).

Kung ito man ay gawin ng mga lingkod, nalalaman nilang ang kahihinatnan nito ay ang pagtatamo ng dakilang gantimpala mula sa Dios. Gaya nang pahayag, “Anomang inyong ginagawa, ay inyong gawin ng buong puso, na gaya ng sa Panginoon, at hindi sa mga tao; Yamang inyong nalalaman na sa Panginoon ay tatanggapin ninyo ang ganting mana; sapagka’t naglilingkod kayo sa Panginoong Jesucristo.” (Colosas 3:23-24)

Ngunit hindi lahat ng tinawag ng Dios ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataong makatahan sa Kaniyang bahay. May alituntunin sa bahay ng Dios, at ito ay nagsasabi na sinumang gumagawa ng karayaan ay hindi makatahahan kaylanman sa Kaniyang bahay.

Ugali ng Dios na maglinis ng mga hindi nararapat, kaya’t lahat ng lingkod na hindi totoo sa kanilang hangarin, lahat ng hindi lubos ang pagkilala at pagtalima, at lalo na silang nagsisigawa ng masama ay hindi papayagan ng Dios na manatili sa Kaniyang bahay. Katunayan sinasabi ng Biblia, “Siyang gumagawa ng karayaan ay hindi tatahan sa loob ng aking bahay… Tuwing umaga ay aking lilipulin ang lahat na masama sa lupain; upang ihiwalay ang lahat na manggagawa ng kasamaan sa bayan ng Panginoon.” (Awit 101:7-8)

Hindi na kailangang alisin pa sila ng kapangasiwaan. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit sa iglesia ay walang tiwalagan. Ang pagtitiwalag ay magmumula sa Dios gaya nang sinabi, “Nguni’t sa nagsisiliko sa kanilang mga likong lakad, ilalabas ng Panginoon na kasama ng mga manggagawa ng kasamaan.” (Awit 125:5)

Ngunit sino naman yaong mga pinili upang makatahan sa Kaniyang bahay?

Ang makapananatili sa pagtahan sa Kaniyang bahay ay yaong mga masunuring anak lamang. Ang mga lingkod na pasaway, na gumagawa ng masama ay hindi makakatahan. Tanging ang mga tunay na tumatalima sa Kaniyang kalooban ang makatahahan dito.

Gaya nang pahayag, silang may matibay na pagtitiwala sa Dios ay hindi kaylanman matitinag kundi sila ay mananatiling matatag sa pag-asa at sa kanilang mga katungkulan. Sinabi ng Biblia, “Silang nagsisitiwala sa Panginoon ay parang bundok ng Sion, na hindi maaaring makilos, kundi nananatili magpakailan man.” (Awit 125:1)

Ang tunay na nagtitiwala ay nananatiling tapat sa Kaniya. Anuman ang kanilang maranasan ay hindi sila makikilos. Nananatili sila sa pagtupad sa Kaniyang mga kautusan at inaasahan ng Dios na sila ay magbubunga ng gawang kabanalan gaya nang pahayag, “at aking kayong inihalal, upang kayo’y magsiyaon at magsipagbunga, at upang manatili ang inyong bunga… “ (Juan 15:16)

Gawin man nila ito ay makakaasa na ang magiging katumbas ng lahat ay ang pagmamana ng pangako ng Dios, ang buhay na walang hanggan, gaya nang pahayag, “Na sila’y magsigawa ng mabuti, na sila’y magsiyaman sa mabuting gawa, na sila’y maging handa sa pamimigay, maibigin sa pamamahagi; Na mangagtipon sa kanilang sarili ng isang mabuting kinasasaligan para sa panahong darating, upang sila’y makapanangan sa buhay na tunay na buhay.” (1 Timoteo 6:18-19)

Kaya nga, gaya nang pahayag ng Biblia, isang malaking kapalaran ang maging anak ng Dios at tawagin upang maglingkod sa Kaniya, gaya nang sinabi, “Mapalad ang tao na iyong pinipili, at pinalalapit mo sa iyo, upang siya’y makatahan sa iyong mga looban: kami ay mangasisiyahan sa kabutihan ng iyong bahay, ng iyong banal na templo” (Awit 65:4)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga Banal sa Lupa” for May 10, 2015)

Can a person be considered holy, while he is alive? What is God’s will pertaining to the saints or holy people? What does the Bible tell us about this?

Who decides if a person is holy or saint? Men should not decide if a person is holy or not. It should always be at the discretion of God. No church leader or group of people can dictate who is going to be a saint or holy. It’s all in the hands of God, and all according to His will and desire.

The Bible tells us that a person is said to be holy or saint when God is pleased in him (Psalms 16:3). How do we please God? God is pleased when we obey His will and commands, when we fulfill the purpose of our existence. Even to the ancient Israelites, who are God’s chosen people, on whom He is pleased, they were commanded to become holy (Leviticus 19:2). They were chosen, taken away from the bondage of slavery and sent in His house (Exodus 15:13).

However, the people of ancient Israel did not remain to be faithful to God. We all know what happened to their relationship with God. Their iniquities are too many to bear and resorted to part away from God. They become wicked in the sight of God because they worship other gods and made Him jealous and angry. The book of Psalms 106:39-40 tell us about this, “They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves. Therefore the Lord was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance.”

In the New Testament, John the Baptist was called holy. He was feared by Herod because he is a righteous and holy man, “… Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man.” (Mark 6:20) In the books of the Acts of the Apostle 9:13, it tells us, ““Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.” 

These verses prove that there are holy people living on earth. Other religions make their saints and holy people when they are dead. It doesn’t need to be dead to become holy in the sight of God. The Bible clearly states that there are saints and holy people and they can be found in His church, the church of God (1 Corinthians 1:1-2). This verse tells us that Apostle Paul, and another brother, Sosthenes, as well as the other members were called into the church of God to become holy. This is the reason why the church of God is called the church of the saints (1 Corinthians 14:33).

A person who is holy in God’s sight doesn’t mean free from committing sins. However, in God’s eyes, there are sins that are not imputed to holy people, “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” (Romans 4:8) If the sin committed is not deliberately done, it is easily forgiven by God and usually not imputed to the sinner. However, sins that are deliberately done are imputed to the sinner, especially if the sin committed is a sin that leads to death. 

In summary, being holy or being a saint should not be ordained by men or even by the people of the churches. Being holy is a status only God can confirm, and that is, by absolutely following all His will and commands into a place called church, a place where He has chosen all people of the world to serve Him.

Blessed are those who were called into His church, for they are blessed to be called holy. Let us thank God for the richness of His mercy and love towards us. Let us serve Him according to His pleasure. Amen.

Filipino Translation:

Maaari bang tawagin at ituring na banal ang isang tao samantalang nabubuhay pa sa ibabaw ng lupa? Ano nga ba ang kalooban ng Dios patungkol sa pagiging banal ng isang tao? Ano ang paliwanag ng Biblia tungkol dito?

Ang pagiging banal ng isang tao ay ayon sa kapasiyahan ng Dios. Hindi ito idinidikta ng isang samahan o ng kung sinuman lamang, maging ng mga pinuno ng mga sekta o relihiyon. Sa Biblia, ang pagiging banal ay isang katangian ng mga taong kinalulugdang lubos ng Dios (Awit 16:3). Ano ang dahilan ng ikinalugod ng Dios?

Kinalulugdan ng Dios na makita ang Kaniyang mga lingkod na nagsisiganap ng Kaniyang mga kalooban. Ang pagtupad sa Kaniyang mga utos, na siyang dahilan ng pagkakalikha sa ating mga tao ang pangunahing ikinalulugod Niya. Kaya’t maging sa mga unang lingkod ng Dios, ang sinaunang bayan ng Israel, ay iniutos sa kanila ang pagpapakabanal (Levitico 19:2), bayan na kung saan ay tinubos ng Dios, pinalaya mula sa mga kamay ng mga umalipin dito, at inihatid sa loob ng Kaniyang tahanan (Exodo 15:13).

Subalit ang sinaunang Israel ay hindi nagpatuloy sa pagpapakabanal sa harap ng Dios. Talastas natin ang kanilang nilakaran, na sila ay nagpakarumi sa kanilang mga gawa, gaya nang pahayag, “Ganito sila nagpakahawa sa kanilang mga gawa, at nagsiyaong nagpakarumi sa kanilang mga gawa.” (Awit 106:39) Bawat bayan na kanilang paroonan ay nahahawa sila ng karumihan sa pamamagitan ng pagsamba sa mga hindi tunay na dios.

Sa Bagong Tipan, ipinakilala ng Biblia na si Juan Bautista ay banal, “natatakot si Herodes kay Juan palibhasa’y nalalamang siya’y lalaking matuwid at banal.” (Marcos 6:20) Gayundin ang pahayag sa aklat ng Gawa ng mga Apostol 9:13, na sinasabi, “Nguni’t sumagot si Ananias, Panginoon, nabalitaan ko sa marami ang tungkol sa taong ito, kung gaano karaming kasamaan ang ginawa niya sa iyong mga banal sa Jerusalem.”

Ang mga talatang ito ang nagpapatunay na mayroong mga banal sa lupa at hindi na kailangan pang mamatay at umakyat sa langit para ituring lamang na banal o santo. Sa Dios, ang pagiging banal ay masusumpungan sa dako na Kaniyang pinili upang doon gawin ang kabanalan, samakatuwid ay sa iglesia (1 Corinto 1:1-2). Tinawag ang Apostol na si Pablo sa iglesia upang magbanal, kasama ng lahat ng mga nagsisitawag sa pangalan ng ating Panginoong Dios. Ang iglesia ng Dios ay tinawag ding iglesia ng mga banal, “Sapagka’t ang Dios ay hindi Dios ng kaguluhan, kundi ng kapayapaan. Gaya sa lahat ng mga iglesia ng mga banal.” (1 Corinto 14:33)

Bagaman ang isang mananampalataya ay tao na kinakikitaan ng pagkakasala (sapagkat walang tao na hindi nagkakasala), itinuturing ng Dios na ito ay banal sa Kaniyang paningin. Sinumang maaanib sa iglesia ay ibinibilang ng Dios na banal, pinapaging banal o inaaaring banal. Para sa Dios, may mga kasalanang nagagawa ang tao na hindi ibinibilang sa kaniya, gaya nang sinabi, “Mapalad ang tao na sa kaniya’y hindi ibibilang ng Panginoon ang kasalanan.” (Roma 4:8)

Kung ang kasalanang nagawa ng isang mananampalataya ay hindi mabigat at hindi naman sinasadya, madali itong napapatawad ng Dios kung kaya’t hindi ito ibinibilang na kasalanan sa kaniya. Kung mabigat ang kasalanang nagawa, lalo pa nga kung kasalanang ikamamatay ay hindi ito ipinatatawad ng Dios, at ibinibilang itong kasalanan sa isang tao.

Sa kabuoan, ang pagiging banal ng isang tao ay hindi dapat itakda ng isang tao o grupo ng mga tao. Hindi din relihiyon o simbahan ang dapat magdikta nito. Ang ikababanal ng isang tao ay mula sa kalooban ng Dios, na sa pamamagitan ng iglesia ng Kaniyang itinayo upang maging dako ng pagawaan ng kabanalan ay maging daan ito upang bawat maanib dito ay maging banal sa Kaniyang paningin.

Mapalad kung gayon ang mga naanib sa iglesia, sapagkat sila ay ibinibilang ng Dios na mga banal dito sa lupa, lalo pa nga silang dapat magpakita ng kabanalan sa paningin ng Dios, na siyang dahil ng pagkakatawag sa kanila. Higit sa lahat, salamat sa Dios sa Kaniyang masaganang habag at awa sapagkat inilagay Niya tayo sa loob ng Kaniyang bahay, upang ariing banal at kalugodlugod sa Kaniya. Suklian natin ang Dios nang paglilingkod na karapatdapat sa Kaniyang kapurihan at karangalan.

(From the sermon entitled, Ang mga Magkakalakip na Kaluluwa” for May 14, 2015)

The friendship of Jonathan and David is one of the most unusual stories of friendship in the Bible.  Their souls are knitted together and in the different Bible translations, it was explained as deep friendship that surpasses the relationship of siblings. They have shown profound love for each other in many instances even if they were not related in flesh and blood (1 Samuel 18:1).

Solomon speaks of that kind of relationship, “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”(Proverbs 18:24)

Ruth, a woman of faith (Ruth 2:11), stick to her mother in law even when her husband died. She loved her more than here parents. The love of others must not be measured in flesh and blood. God wants us to see a love that is unconditional, that we can show it to anyone, regardless of race, belief and status.

When God called us unto His church, which is the church of God, He called us to grow in faith and in a close relationship with each other. The word “koinonia” means fellowship, which describes communication, caring and helping with one another. It is God’s way of letting us fulfill the law to love one another (John 13:34).

Through fellowship we become one with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9)

And while we hold on to unite with the spirit (Ephesians 4:3), we are able to be fitted and united also with one another as one body, which is the church, and by doing this, we grow in love and become strong in faith. “Through whom all the body, being rightly formed and united together, by the full working of every part, is increased to the building up of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:16)

How can we show that our souls are knitted together in unity?

Apostle Paul says, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” (Romans 15:5-7)

In these verses, Paul desires the unity of the brethren towards serving and giving pleasure to God. This can be done through prayers, singing hymns, worship services that we continue to do with unity according to the pleasure of the almighty God. Paul also emphasizes the importance of accepting one another. We humbly accept every member of the body, which is the church of God. Regardless of our statuses, lineage and qualifications, we need to value each other as co-workers in faith.

Early Christians have done this, which they continued steadfastly in the apostles ‘doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)

Along with acceptance, we need to be careful not to judge each other’s faults and mistakes. If we can’t control ourselves, we may end up hurting the feelings of others. If we can control ourselves, we are helping in the unity of the members of the church. “So that there might be no division in the body; but all the parts might have the same care for one another. And if there is pain in one part of the body, all the parts will be feeling it; or if one part is honoured, all the parts will be glad. Now you are the body of Christ, and every one of you the separate parts of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:25-27)

The stronger members should take care of the weaker ones, but the weaker ones should learn how to be strong and be models of faith for the rest of the members. (Romans 15:1-2)

What is the important doctrine that we need to understand regarding the unity of our souls?

Each member has an important role to one another. It is our obligation to care and strengthen the faith of the weaker ones as we continue on serving the Lord. One of the most important things that we should learn is how we can open ourselves to others, not only to the members of the church, but as well as to other people around us.

The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) tells us about acceptance, having a good character, being merciful and being helpful to others especially those who are in great need. In this parable, Jesus tells us that a true servant of God is not measured on what we know about the Holy Scriptures, on what lineage we belong, or what important role we have in life. We are measured on what we can do for others out of love.

The Levite and the Priest, which is both servants of the Temple, who knows the Laws and the Scriptures did not even stopped and help the person in need. They live at a time where they are bounded by a law, the law of cleanliness. Probably, this might be the reason why they did not reach out and help the wounded person. They are scared they might violate the law and prohibit them from performing their duties in the Temple. (Numbers 19:11, 19-20, 22; Leviticus 11:24-25)

The Samaritan, who doesn’t care about this law, opened his heart to the wounded person, attend to his wounds and brought him to a safer place. He put his time, energy and money to help out the needy. He showed his “mercy” and compassion towards someone whom he really doesn’t know. “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him” (Luke 10:33).

The parable teaches us that a true believer and more pleasing to God is the one who has a good heart and not only those who possess the law but do not extend themselves towards another. In the three characters, the Samaritan showed he has “God and compassion his heart.” (Luke 10:36-37)

We cannot claim to be a true servant of God, like what the Levite and the Priest did, and like what others Christians do, if we cannot show love and compassion to others. Likewise, we cannot claim to be real Christians if we easily judge others and acting as if we do not have faults. This is called self-righteousness and Apostle Paul rebukes it. “But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Romans 14:10)

Anyone who behaves like this is not a real servant of God. It is a form of hypocrisy and an abomination to God. “They profess that they know God, but by their works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:16) A true Christian follows the ways of Christ, who had shown us compassion and love for one another. If a self-professing Christian judges and doesn’t have mercy and compassion to others, then he is not what he claims to be. We can say that those who are cruel to others worship a cruel god.

The Samaritan’s gesture is truly admirable and an example to follow. He is not clean as others may claim to be; yet he was able to touch the unclean. God expects us to do great and good deeds to others, to show love and compassion, because we have first received His love and compassion. Those who have received great forgiveness will show more love (Luke 7:42-43).

God’s kingdom can be seen through our actions, through helping others, no matter what we believe in and no matter what our status in life is. “Being of good behaviour among the Gentiles; so that though they say now that you are evil- doers, they may see your good works and give glory to God when he comes to be their judge.” (1 Peter 2:12)

Along with helping others, we should try to be humble in all ways, especially in the eyes of others. (Proverbs 6:3) They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. (Titus 1:16)

Filipino Translations:

Isa sa makulay na kuwento ng pagkakaibigan ang kasaysayan nina David at Jonathan. Sa pahayag ng Biblia, ang kanilang kaluluwa ay nalakip sa isa’t isa. Sa iba’t ibang salin, niliwanag ito na naging malalim ang kanilang pagkakaibigan, isang relasyon na nahigitan pa ang pagtingin ng magkapatid. Ipinakita nila ang malalim na ugnayan sa pamamagitan ng maraming pagkakataon bagaman sila ay hindi magkaugnay sa laman at sa dugo. (1 Samuel 18:1)

Natutupad sa kanila ang pahayag ni Solomon, na “mayroong kaibigan na mahigit sa isang kapatid” (Kawikaan 18:24). Ang babaeng si Ruth (Ruth 2:11), nang mamatay ang kaniyang asawa, ay hindi iniwan ang kaniyang biyenan. Minahal niya ito nang higit pa sa kaniyang tunay na mga magulang.

Ang pagibig natin sa ating kapuwa ay hindi dapat sukatin sa pamamagitan ng dugo at laman. Hangad ng Dios na makita tayong nagiibigan, anuman ang ating kalagayan, anuman ang ating lahing pinagmulan at anuman ang ating pananampalataya.

Tinawag ng Dios ang bawat kapatid sa loob ng Kaniyang iglesia upang palaguin tayo sa isang magkakalakip at maunlad na pagtitinginan bilang magkakapatid sa pananampalataya. Ang salitang “koinonia” na ang ibig sabihin ay fellowship ay naglalarawan ng komunikasyon, pagtutulungan at pagmamalasakitan. Ang fellowship ay paraan ng Dios upang matupad natin ang Kaniyang kautusan na tayo’y magibigan sa isa’t isa gaya naman ng pagibig Niya sa atin. “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.” (Juan 13:34) 

Sa ganitong layunin ay magkaroon tayo ng pakikipagkaisa o pakikisama sa Kaniya sa pamamagitan ng ating Panginoong Hesus, gaya nang pahayag, “Ang Dios ay tapat, na sa pamamagitan niya ay tinawag kayo sa pakikisama ng kaniyang anak na si Jesucristo na Panginoon natin.” (1 Corinto 1:9)

At samantalang iniingatan natin ang pakikipagkaisa sa Espiritu (Efeso 4:3), nagagawa nating ang bawat isa ay lumapat na mabuti sa iba pang sangkap ng Kaniyang katawan, na siyang iglesia ng Dios, at sa pamamagitan nito, ay lubos na makagawa ang lahat at tumibay ang sarili sa pagibig. “Na dahil sa kaniya’y ang buong katawan na nakalapat na mabuti at nagkakalakip sa pamamagitan ng tulong ng bawa’t kasukasuan, ayon sa paggawang nauukol sa bawa’t iba’t ibang sangkap, ay nagpapalaki sa katawan sa ikatitibay ng kaniyang sarili sa pagibig.” (Efeso 4:16) 

Sa paanong paraan natin maaaring ipakita ang pakikilakip ng kaluluwa sa isa’t isa?

Sinabi ni Apostol Pablo, “Loobin nawa ng Dios ng pagtitiis at paggiliw, na kayo ay magkaisa ng pagiisip sa isa’t isa ayon kay Cristo Jesus: Upang kayo na may isang pagiisip sa pamamagitan ng isang bibig ay luwalhatiin ninyo ang Dios at Ama ng ating Panginoong Jesucristo. Sa ganito’y mangagtanggapan kayo, gaya naman ni Cristo na tinanggap kayo sa kaluwalhatian ng Dios.” (Roma 15:5-7)

Sa pahayag na ito, hangad ni Apostol Pablo ang pagkakaisa natin sa pagiisip, lalong lalo na sa pagbibigay ng kapurihan at karangalan sa Dios sa pamamagitan ng paglilingkod. Ilan sa mga halimbawa nito ay ang sama-samang panalangin, pag-aawitan at pagsamba na buong pagkakaisa nating isinasagawa alang-alang sa kapurihan ng Dios. Bukod dito, hangad din niya ang pagtanggap natin sa isa’t isa. Anuman ang ating kalagayan o saan man tayo nagmulang lahi, kailangang tanggapin natin ang isa’t isa bilang kaisa sa ating Panginoong Dios upang matiwasay natin Siyang mapaglingkuran.

Ang mga sinaunang Kristiyano ay ginawa ito, na sila’y nagsipanatiling matibay sa turo ng mga apostol at sa pagsasamasama, sa pagpuputolputol ng tinapay at sa mga panalangin (Gawa 2:42).

Kalakip ng pagtanggap, ay ang pagunawa sa kapatid o sa kapuwa upang magkaroon naman tayo ng pagiingatan sa isa’t isa at hindi magkaroon ng kadahilanan upang ang kapatid ay humina o matisod sa kanilang pananampalataya. Sa ganito’y huwag magkaroon ng dibisyon o pagkakabahabahagi. Iisang katawan tayo, at bawat isa’y sangkap. Kailangang mayroong pagkakaisa at pagiingat tayo sa isa’t isa. “Upang huwag magkaroon ng pagkakabahabahagi sa katawan; kundi ang mga sangkap ay mangagkaroon ng magkasing-isang pagiingat sa isa’t isa. At kung ang isang sangkap ay nagdaramdam, ang lahat ng mga sangkap ay nangagdaramdam na kasama niya; o kung ang isang sangkap ay nagkakapuri, ang lahat ng mga sangkap ay nangagagalak na kasama niya. Kayo nga ang katawan ni Cristo, at bawa’t isa’y samasamang mga sangkap niya.” (1 Corinto 12:25-27)

Kaya naman, ang malalakas ay magbabata ng kahinaan ng mga mahihina. At ang mga mahihina ay mag-aaral na maging malakas upang maging huwaran sa ibang kapatid. (Roma 15:1-2)

Ano ang matibay na aral na dapat nating matutunan sa pagkakalakip ng kaluluwa sa isa’t isa?

Ang bawat kapatid ay may tungkulin sa ibang kapatid. Tungkulin nating patibayin at ingatan ang bawat isa upang sama-samang makapagpatuloy. Ang pinaimportanteng bagay na dapat nating matutunan ay ang pagbubukas ng ating kalooban sa iba, sa kapatid man o hindi, kapananampalataya man o hindi, dapat lamang na buksan natin ang ating puso sa pagtulong.

Ang kasaysayan ng mabuting samaritano ay nagtuturo ng pagtanggap sa kapuwa, kabutihang loob at pagiging mabuting lingkod ng Dios. (Basahin ang Luc. 10:30-37) Sa kasaysayang ito, itinuturo ng Panginoong Hesus na ang pagiging tunay na lingkod ay hindi nakikita sa kung ano ang lahing pinagmulan, o kung anong tungkuling taglay. Magugunitang ang mga saserdote at mga Levita ay mga lahing ang pangunahing tungkulin ay maglingkod sa Templo. At nasa panahong sila ay mayroong batas ng kalinisan at karumihan na sinusunod lalo na sa pagpasok sa Templo upang maglingkod sa Dios.

Maaring ito ang naging dahilan nang hindi nila pagtulong sa nangangailagang kapuwa, sapagkat sila ay magiging madumi kung sila ay hihipo ng bagay na madumi at sila ay mahihiwalay ng ilang araw kung magkakagayon (Bilang 19:11, 19-20,22; Levitico 11:24-25)

Subalit ang Samaritano, palibhasa’y hindi nasasakop ng kautusang ito ay nagawang tumulong sa nangangailangang kapuwa tao. Hindi niya alintana ang “kautusan”, manapa ay ipinakita niya ang kaniyang “habag” sa kapuwang nangangailangan ng tulong. “Datapuwa’t ang isang Samaritano, sa kaniyang paglalakbay, ay dumating sa kinaroroonan niya: at nang siya’y makita niya, ay nagdalang habag.” (Lukas 10:33)

Sa talinhagang ito ay ipinakikilala na ang tunay na mayroong mabuting puso at kalooban ay hindi yaong nagtataglay ng kautusan, kundi ang mayroong puwang sa kanilang puso ang maging mahabagin sa kapuwa. Sa tatlong tauhan, ang mabuting Samaritano ang ipinakilalang mayroong “mabuting Dios.” (Lukas 10:36-37)

Hindi natin maaaring ariing tayo ay mga lingkod ng Dios, gaya ng mga Levita at Saserdote, at tayo naman ay mga Kristiyano, kung walang puwang sa ating puso ang maging mahabagin sa kapuwa, sa kapatid, sa pamilya at sa mga mahal natin sa buhay.

Mayroong nagsasabing sila ay lingkod ng Dios ngunit kaydaling humahatol sa gawa ng kanilang kapuwa, na para bagang sila ay walang anumang kapintasan sa harap ng Dios. Ang ganito ay nagaaring Kristiyano lamang sa kanilang sarili at ito ay sinansala ni Apostol Pablo, “Datapuwa’t ikaw, bakit humahatol ka sa iyong kapatid? at ikaw naman, bakit pinawalaang halaga mo ang iyong kapatid? sapagka’t tayong lahat ay tatayo sa harapan ng hukuman ng Dios.” (Roma 14:10)

Hindi tunay na lingkod ang may ganitong paguugali. Ito ay pagpapanggap lamang at malaking kapaimbabawan sa harap ng Dios. “Sila’y nangagpapanggap na nakikilala nila ang Dios; nguni’t ikinakaila sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga gawa, palibhasa’y mga malulupit, at mga masuwayin, at mga itinakuwil sa bawa’t gawang mabuti.” (Tito 1:16)

Ang tunay na mga Kristiyano ay mahabagin, sapagkat ang Dios nila ay mahabagin. Ang mga malulupit sa kapuwa at mapanghusga ay sumasamba sa “malupit na Dios.”

Kung mayroon man tayong dapat na tularan sa araling ito ay ang ginawa ng mabuting Samaritano sa kaniyang kapuwa. Ang Samaritano ay marumi, subalit nagawa niyang humipo sa marumi. Inaasahan ng Dios na tayo ay makagagawa ng ibayong kabutihan at pagibig sa kapuwa, yamang tayo ay nakadama ng ibayong pagibig at pagpapatawad mula sa Dios. (Lukas 7:42-43)

Ipakilala natin ang kaharian ng Dios, ang kabutihan ng Dios sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong natin sa kapuwa, anuman ang relihiyon, pananampalataya, paniniwala, lahi at kalagayan sa buhay. “Na kayo’y mangagkaroon ng timtimang ugali sa gitna ng mga Gentil; upang, sa mga bagay na ipinagsasalita nila laban sa inyong tulad sa nagsisigawa ng masama, dahil sa inyong mabubuting gawa na kanilang nakikita, ay purihin nila ang Dios sa araw ng pagdalaw.” (1 Pedro 2:12)

Sa ganito’y manatili tayong mababa sa paningin ng iba lalong lalo na sa mga kapananampalataya. (Kawikaan 6:3) Tigilan natin ang pagiging mapanghusga sa kapuwa, sa halip ay maging mababa ang kalooban natin, at huwag tularan ang ibang nagsasabing sila ay Kristiyano na mataas at banal ang tingin sa kanilang sarili subali’t ikinakaila sa pamamagitan ng kanilang paghatol at kawalan ng pagtulong o habag sa kapuwa. (Tito 1:16)

(From the sermon entitled, Ang Kapalarang Lubos na Dapat Ikagalak at Pakaingatan sa Buhay na Ito”, for May 28, 2015)

Those who are grateful in life can feel happiness and contentment. Although many times we suffer from trials and tests, God had shown that He never abandon nor forsake us. He continually helps and guides us, so we can overcome life’s sufferings.

Studying and analyzing life helps us realize that whatever life we have today are a product or a summation of what effort we put in it and the mercy and love of God. God allows us to have victory and abundance in life. He also allows us to feel insignificant amount of pain. Sadly, when people are abundant, they forget to be grateful, and when they are suffering because of poverty, they usually blame God for it.

The Bible tells us that we should not always put our hopes to whatever fate we have now. Let’s say we are blessed enough to have an abundant life materially, we should not rely on it. Psalms 62:10 says, “though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” People set their hearts on what they have here on earth. They would die for sure if this wealth would be gone. They don’t know that they cannot bring all their material possessions when they die. The Bible clearly says, “…his wealth will not follow him down into the grave.” (Psalms 49:17)

Life has many uncertainties. The only certainty is death. Life will end no matter how we use it. Life will conclude no matter how bad or beautiful it is. Verses of the Bible tell us of this, “Though the pride of the godless person reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he? ’ Like a dream he flies away, no more to be found, banished like a vision of the night.” (Job 20:6-8)

The rich man in Luke 12:16-20 tells us about someone who put his hope in his wealth more than what should be accorded to God. This man only thought of how he can increase his wealth and have an abundant life in his present time and in the future. He forgot that life has an ending. So, when God told him that his life will be taken away from him that night, he was asked where will all his wealth go? (Luke 12:19-20)

Life is not all about abundance. What we should aspire is to become part of God’s mercy, to be called, to be His child and dwell in His house (Psalms 27:41), to see His beauty and goodness in the church of God (1 Timothy 3:15).

More than living an abundant life as many dreamed of, dwelling in God’s house, is a providence that only a few have received. Jesus tells us, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul.” (Matthew 16:26)

Material prosperity, like life, is only temporary. It is only borrowed and God allows us to use them so we can be of His purpose. What we should yearn is to have an eternal life, and it could be fulfilled if we dwell in the house of God and remain faithful and firm.

God is worthy to be praised! He has called us and placed us under His protection inside His house. Let us offer our praises and thanksgiving as a pleasing sacrifice; and let us be peaceful for whatever purpose He has given us (Colossians 3:15). Life will end, as well as wealth, but if we gain righteousness before God, it would surely lead us to salvation.

Worry not and do not lose hope. Never be afraid, because God will never abandon us. More than these, and anything in this world, we are very important to God because we are His children. He is very pleased to give us what He had promised, His kingdom in heaven, and living an eternal life with Him. Jesus tells us, ““Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Mayayaman na Makakapasok at ‘Di Makakapasok sa Kaharian ng Dios” for May 21 and 24, 2015) Yes, rich people can enter the kingdom of Heaven. Unlike what most people think, rich people have a chance for eternal life.

The most important thing for someone who believes in God is to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It is the ultimate goal for every believer.

The Bible tells us that the house of God (1 Timothy 3:15), which is the church of God and composed of members with common doctrinal beliefs is a house built upon Spirit (1 Peter 2:5). It is not an edifice or a structure, but a spiritual house, a kingdom of God here on earth. Members of this congregation became part of the elect or the chosen people of God for His kingdom (Luke 22:22), a city that bears fruit of righteousness (Matthew 21:23) and was purchased by His own blood (Acts 20:28). No wonder why Jesus tells everyone to enter the narrow gate, because it is a road leading to His kingdom in heaven (Matthew 7:13-14)

God’s house, according to the Bible is the door to heaven (Genesis 28:17). If it is the door to heaven, then people should persist to enter because it is a step closer towards God, in His kingdom.

God’s kingdom in heaven meanwhile, is prepared into all worthy faithful. No abominations will enter God’s kingdom (Revelations 21:27). Only those who have triumphed and who have purified themselves will be worthy of spending eternity with God.

How does the Bible explain those who are unworthy of His kingdom in heaven? The Bible tells us that those who are unrighteous will definitely fail to enter God’s kingdom. Apostle Paul writes, “No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater —has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Ephesians 5:5) This is the reason why many of the apostles advised members of the church to be clean in all manners of life (1 Peter 1:15), and most of all, live according to the faith that we have received from Him (Hebrews 10:38).

Additionally, those who lack trust in God will not be given a chance to dwell in heaven. People who trust with their material wealth instead of trusting God should not ask for salvation. Desiring wealth in this life is not bad at all. However, if the desire of men is more than the desire to serve God, then wealth can be a hindrance in receiving eternal life with God.

Jesus tells us, “we cannot serve two masters at the same time.” (Matthew 6:24) Material wealth is needed to live a decent life. However, we should not put all our trust and hope for it. Material wealth is only temporary. It can be lost, it can be taken away from us and we cannot even bring it when we die. If we talk about faith, we cannot count on wealth alone to become worthy of God’s kingdom.

Apostle Paul writes, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17) However, there are rich people that can definitely enter the kingdom of heaven. They maybe not rich in material wealth, but they are very rich in faith and abundant in many ways, especially in spiritual matters.

Members of the church during the time of the Apostles were called not because they are rich or they are successful in life, they were called because they are poor so that they can be rich in faith. We can read, “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5) They are very rich when it comes to trusting God’s powers, rich in good deeds, especially to other faithful, always prepared to do holy works. In other words, they are rich when it comes to giving glory and praises to God, and this is what Apostle Paul writes, “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” (Romans 2:7)

They glorify God through their holy works, such as helping those who are in need (Isaiah 1:17), contributing to the church’s missionary works (1 Timothy 5:10), walking according to truth, and most of all by following the will and commands of God. God wants us to train to be godly.

Although physical training has a 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). Let us all save up for the wealth that cannot be taken away from us, wealth that can bring us to the promised eternal life, in heaven, with God.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Mahal na Tao sa Buhay na ito at Mahal na Tao sa Buhay na Darating” for May 31, 2015)

How can a person be considered as a noble one? Is life’s status a basis for being called a noble person? Is it something that we can acquire at birth? How did the Bible clarify this?

The dictionary tells us that the word noble, especially in former times, is a person of noble rank or birth, belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status; aristocrat. Therefore, a person is considered as a noble one if he was born from noble descent. A person is also called noble if he has outstanding traits.

The Bible calls princes as noble people (Job 29:9-11). Judges are also called noble people (Proverbs 8:16), as well as those who have high authority and rule over a large number of people (Matthew 20:25). Jesus tells us about these people in authority as those who would always want to be recognized or acknowledged by others. They wanted to be respected by all people in their community. They would always want to be positioned in the higher seats of the synagogue and/or in the dining tables (Mark 12:39). Jesus warned all the people about these people, particularly the Scribes and the Pharisees. They wore long robes and loved to be respected by others (Luke 20:46).

Let us notice that while these people are considered to be noble by others, holding high positions in their communities, they were not called by God to be members of His church. What God has called are people who are simple, poor, not influential and not with noble birth (1 Corinthians 1:26). People, who were considered to be noble at that time like the Scribes and the Pharisees are only noble in the outside, but full of wickedness in the inside (Luke 11:37-41).

God selected them because He wants to send a strong message to these so-called noble people. The Bible tells us, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27) These weak and foolish people were considered to be noble by God because He had paid them with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20).

How valuable are these people to God? The Bible tells us that it is the blood of God that was used to purchase all of the members of His church (Acts 20:28). Anyone who belongs to this church will be included in the purchase. Anyone who belongs to this church will be called noble people of God because they are His children. John 1:12-13 tell us about this, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

And this is not according to the likes of anyone, but according to the mercy of God. Apostle Paul writes on this, “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” (2 Timothy 1:9)

Another purpose of God when He called the poor and foolish ones is that no one can boast before Him (1 Corinthians 1:29). However, are all called be considered as noble people? The Bible’s answer is NO! There are those who were called and did not remain in Him. Some of them walked away from their spiritual duties. Some of them did not remain obedient to His will and commands (2 Thessalonians 3:11)

Those who were bought by God through the blood of Jesus are the true noble people because they believe in God, and obey His will completely. They do not let themselves to be defiled, like what the Bible says, “These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.” (Revelations 14:2-5)

To God, they are His children, His noble people, and heirs to His kingdom in heaven. God called us because we are poor and were not noble in the sight of many men, but we have the greatest chance to prove that we are rich in faith and in serving God. Apostle James writes on this, “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5)

(From the sermon entitled “Ang Minagaling na Ipinasiya ng Dios ayon sa Biblia” for dates June 4 and 7, 2015)

The ways of God are very far from our thoughts and habits. Sometimes, we really cannot understand His ways. But in many instances, God reveals His ways to His people so we can understand His will better.

God had revealed His will through the Holy Scriptures. He had made us known whatever pleases Him through His words, which were written. He wants us to understand them better and thus, He commanded us to seek the truth, read the Scriptures and find out the purpose of all His actions.

Let us take a look at Ephesians 1:9; Apostle Paul writes, “…Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him.” God’s will is mysterious to many people. This is because people don’t have time to seek His will. How can they know the truth if they don’t even bother to seek them? How can they know His will if they are not interested to know them?

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells us about God’s decisions to do something for Himself. Although a mystery to many people, but for God, it was a plain and simple revelation of Himself, something that pleases Him.

What is this that pleases Him that He wants to do? What Apostle Paul has written is the mystery of the manifestation or the revelation of God in the flesh through Christ. The Bible tells us, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16) 

Was this mystery come into fruition? Yes it did! God manifest Himself in the flesh through Christ. Isaiah writes, “… 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) Isaiah repeated this in Isaiah 9:6, citing the traits of the son given unto us, “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.”

Noticeably, the traits of the son are all traits of the almighty God. He is a Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. The son, although will be born unto a virgin actually has no origin. Prophet Micah mentioned this in chapter 5, verse 2 that the one coming from Bethlehem is from the old, from everlasting, meaning eternal.

If the son is from everlasting, does He have the same trait with God? David writes in Psalms 90:2, “Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever you had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” God’s origin is clear here. They have the same origin mentioned in Micah 5:2, they both came from everlasting, from eternal.

Therefore they are the same, because they are one. God manifests Himself through Christ, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh, and lived among us.” (John 1:1, 14)

Why did God decide to manifest Himself in the flesh? Jesus tells us the reason why He was born, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37)

Apostle Paul tells us, God is pleased that everyone knows the truth and be saved (1 Timothy 2:3-4). Not only that He will testify to the truth, but also He came to reveal us about the truth. And what is the truth? That the reason He came here is to save all sinners. Apostle Paul writes, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”(1 Timothy 1:15). However, Christ can only save sinners who have repented. Those who did not atone for their sins will not be saved (Luke 15:7,10).

In the days of the Apostles, those who repented were baptized, and those who were baptized were added to the church, which is the Church of God. We can read in Acts 2:38, 47, “Praising God, and having favour with all the people, and the Lord added to the church (Greek word-“Ekklesia”) daily such as should be saved.”

So, those who have accepted Christ, who repented from their sins, and were baptized, were given a chance to become part of Christ’s truth. Indeed, to become part of His purpose, pleasing to Him, is an ultimate blessing from God.

The question here is why did God add to the church those who will be saved? Why did He choose the church as a dwelling place for all His people?

The answers to these questions are clear. First of all, we need to understand that the church built by Christ is not an ordinary congregation. God purchased the church with His holy blood, and that makes it very valuable to Him (Acts 20:28). The Bible also tells us that without the shedding of blood, there will be no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22). Christ’s blood was shed so that everyone who believes in Him will receive forgiveness and eventually, be saved. So, everyone who was blessed and added to Christ’s church would become part of salvation. Christ will save His own body, and we all know that the church is Christ’s body (Ephesians 5:23).

Again, let us just repeat the purpose why Christ was born, and that is to testify to the truth. God wants to testify for His words. For His words are the truth (John 17:17), and powerful (Luke 1:37). God wants everyone to believe in His truth (words), and if all do so, will lead to salvation. So when Christ speaks about the truth about Him and the Father, He tells us, “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:7) Christ did not only introduce the Father, but He has let them see the Father, who is dwelling in Him.

So when Philip asks Him about the Father, Jesus tells us, “Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:8-14)

Christ has revealed here that He and the Father are one; that the Father dwells in Him. Anyone, who does not believe that He is not the Father will die from their sins, and this was written in John 8:24, 27, “I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins. They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father.”  

What else did Christ tells us about God’s truth? Christ revealed to us that the only way we can come to the Father is through Him. He told us, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Christ had taught us about a new way of life, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body (church), (Hebrews 10:20). He wants us to have fellowship with the members of the church, which is His body. Everyone who was called into the church is an important element of the body, all are important, all are loved.

Not only that Christ wants us to know the truth that is in Him. He also expects everyone to live according to the truth. Christ tells us, “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.” (John 17:19) God wants us to live a holy life in His house (Psalms 93:5) and He wants us to be holy in all manners and aspects of life (1 Peter 1:15-16).

What do we need to know about Christ in the flesh?

To be continued on the next part…

(From the sermon entitled “Ang Minagaling na Ipinasiya ng Dios ayon sa Biblia” for dates June 11 and 14, 2015)

God wants us to know the truth and live by it.

What do we need to know about the truth on Christ being in the flesh?

What many people do not understand in Christ being in the flesh is His plan of giving the ancient Israel a chance for salvation. God has kept His promise to His people. However, the ancient Israel did not honor their covenant with God. Christ tells us, ““Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate.” (Matthew 23:37-38)

What did Christ mean when He said “the house is left to you desolate?” The term desolate can mean abandoning, forsaken and deserted. Did Christ want to tell us that the ancient Israel is now abandoned? What about His promise to these people?

We have learned that God curses those who do not bear fruit. Christ tells us about this in Matthew 21:19-20, Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.

The lesson of this story is not about how Christ makes the tree withered so quickly. It is about why did Christ curse it. Christ is telling us here that the ancient Israel who has broken their vows and covenant with God will be desolated. Did God really take it away from them? Jesus has the answer, “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit…” (Matthew 21:43)

Why did God take it away from them? God took the kingdom away from them because they failed to see the coming of God to them. In Luke 19:41-44, we can read, “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

Christ came but they failed to accept Him. John 1:11 tells us, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” Instead of accepting Christ, they ignored Him and murdered Him. In the books of Acts of the Apostles 3:14-17, we can read, “You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.”  

Most of all, they did not believe that the Father and Christ are one. So, when Christ attempted to tell them that He and the Father are one, they tried to stone Him for what He said (John 10:30-33).

What truth do we need to understand concerning the latter days?

There are events that are assured to happen in the concluding days as written in the Scriptures. These prophecies have long been written down and just waiting to happen. Zephaniah 3:8, tells us about the wrath of God for all nations and kingdoms who did not listen and abide in His will and commands. The verse tells us, “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.”

Many may not believe that God would consume these nations because of His anger. They believe that God is love and mercy. They forgot that God is also a God of justice. He will execute His judgment and He will carry it out justly.

The concluding days will reveal signs of His coming, and after that, the end of this world.

When will these things happen?

The Bible did not tell us the certainty of dates, but tells us the certainty of its fulfillment. Zephaniah 1:14-18 tell us, “The great day of the Lord is near — near and coming quickly. The cry on the day of the Lord is bitter; the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry.” Therefore, it is very near to us now, because this was written thousands of years ago.

What do we expect on that day? Zephaniah continues, “ That day will be a day of wrath— a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness — a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers. “I will bring such distress on all people that they will grope about like those who are blind, because they have sinned against the Lord. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like dung. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord ’s wrath.”

Indeed, that day is a day we never imagined to happen. But it is now waiting to happen. Isaiah 13:9-13 tells us about it too, “See, the day of the Lord is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger — to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. I will make people scarcer than pure gold, more rare than the gold of Ophir. Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the Lord Almighty, in the day of his burning anger.”  

These destructions are inevitable. They were already written and God had already decided to make them happen.

Although these events that would take place in the future are very frightening, servants of God need not be afraid. God will never forsake His people. Jesus promises, “For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22)

While we have the time, while God is giving us chances and opportunities to serve Him and follow whatever pleases Him, we should not take every chance to be wasted.

Now is the time to seek Him, and look for Him. And to avoid God’s anger and wrath, we should listen to what the Scriptures are telling us, “before the decree takes effect and that day passes like windblown chaff, before the Lord ’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the Lord ’s wrath comes upon you. Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord ’s anger.” (Zephaniah 2:2-3)

Now is the time to serve Him, to do good deeds unto others, to love, to forgive and serve one another. Remember the saying, the righteous will remain firm and won’t be moved by anything. If we trust God in all our ways, then these truths that were revealed unto us will not only be heard and read, but these will guide us and lead us unto eternal life. Let us all live according to these truths.

(From the sermon entitled “Ang Pagiging Makasarili ayon sa Biblia” for June 18 and 21, 2015)

The words of God are so powerful that even the attributes of people in the end days are told and described. When Apostle Paul wrote to his companion Timothy, he tells, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves…” (2 Timothy 3:1-2) 

The song The Greatest Love of All, popularized by Whitney Houston tells us Learning to love yourself, It is the greatest love of all… People believe that the greatest love of all is learning to love one’s self. There is nothing wrong with loving one’s self. In fact, we all need to learn how to love ourselves before we can love others. Love must come from the inside, and then it has to be manifested towards others.

So, there is nothing wrong with the lyrics of that song. However, loving one’s self is not the greatest love of all. The Bible tells us that the greatest love of all is to lay one’s life to another. The greatest love is selfless, not towards one’s self, but towards others. Loving one’s self is correct, however, people have shown it wrongly. It turned out that the love they have given to themselves is selfishness.

When is love towards one’s self becomes selfishness?

When love is exhibited towards one’s self and becomes egocentric or directed only to self rather than to others, it is called empty conceit. When it results not to happiness and affection, but disorder and evil practices, it becomes vanity. Therefore, it is not love at all but greediness and egocentricity. (James 3:16)

When a person only sees himself and only care about his personal desires, and do not give interest to the needs of others, then that is egocentrism. This attribute is very evident nowadays. Unfortunately, this is true. The majority of people has forgotten about caring about others. Selfishness have driven many to compare themselves to others. They have forgotten the commandment of Christ about loving others. The only love they knew is directed towards them.

Selfishness can lead to destruction. The ancient Israel, who were only thinking about self-survival have put God to the test by demanding the food they craved. They have spoken against God (Psalms 78:18).

The rich bachelor in the New Testament was not able to follow Christ’s invitation because of fear of losing his wealthy life (Matthew 19:21-22). Who would want to sacrifice his wealth for the sake of Christ nowadays?

Selfishness can end friendship according to the Bible (Proverbs 18:1). What a selfish person would want is only to satisfy his needs and desires. He really never intends to satisfy the needs of others, be it his friends or love ones.

This trait is not of God, but of the devil. This is a worldly attribute and can be seen for the majority of mankind. Apostle James tells us, “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” (James 3:14-15)

And prayers of such people are never heard, “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) So, where do their wealth come from if not from God? Well, the world has the power to give pleasure and abundance. And this world has been given to the hands of the wicked. That explains how their wealth is amassed.

Christians are not supposed to possess this earthly attribute. We are supposed to be different in thoughts, actions and in our words. Apostle Paul tells us to think like Christ, “then make my joy complete by being like- minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2) Paul tells us to be united in thoughts, thinking like Christ, being like Christ and behaving like Christ.

Paul also encourages us to think with all humility, according to the faith given by God, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Philippians 12:2-3)

If we learn to feel what other people feel, then that’s a step closer towards loving others. In Christ, we are all brothers and sisters. We are commanded to respect, care and love one another. This is what we have learned from the doctrines given to us. All we have to do is to keep it and obey it with all our hearts.

Who have shown the greatest example of selfless love that we should imitate?

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of selfless and unconditional love. By showing His unselfish love towards mankind, He made Himself a man and lived like a man. Apostle Paul tells us of this, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8) 

He came here to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45). He has shown a great example on how we should serve one another. He has told us that He was doing the will of the Father; telling and teaching us that it is always the will of the Father that should be followed. By following Christ’s example, selflessness is not only exhibited to other people, but its greatest paradigm is directing it towards God. The commandment tells us, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

The story of the Good Samaritan is another paradigm of selflessness. Samaritans are not really respected people during those times. They were a very low class of people. They are a mixture of races, and most of them are partly Gentile and partly Jews. But why did Christ choose them to be the main character in that story? Simply, Christ was trying to tell them something. He wants them to understand that it is not the race, the color of the skin, the status in life that is important in obeying the will of God.

Those who have less in life should manifest more love, more selflessness, because they have nothing in life. They have nothing to be selfish about. Christ tells us, blessed are the poor, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven… (Matthew 5:3) The lowly ones, like the Samaritans, who may not be poor in the story, but a businessman, have shown that even at their status in life (they were treated as low in their society), they can be selfless and can show love to anyone. Unlike the Scribes and the Pharisees, who can only love those who love them and those whom they have chosen to love.

The story tells us not to choose whom we can love. Anyone is our neighbor, even our enemies. And we are commanded to love our neighbor. We are commanded to love one another. But be careful, it is ‘not love another one.’ If we show partiality to loving others, then we are committing a sin against God (James 2:8-9).

The command of God is to love others as we love ourselves. We show love to ourselves in many ways. We don’t try to hurt ourselves, to make it feel uncomfortable, and as much as possible; we always want ourselves to be happy. This is what God wants us to give, that is, the way we treat and love ourselves should be given and directed towards others. Simply put, live according to the love and faith given to us. (Galatians 2:20)

If we can do this, then we are showing that we are indeed true followers of Christ and truly children of the Most High (John 13:35). Apostle Paul tells us to learn how to put others first before ourselves (Romans 12:10); this is how a true brother or sister in Christ should behave. Apostle Paul has given us this example, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me —the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24) 

Let us all contemplate about this. Selfishness is not a trait we should possess. We should be selfless and humble because it is a trait that Christ wants us to have. Remember this, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Mabuting Pakikisama sa Lahat ng mga Kapatid” for June 25)

The word “koinonia” means fellowship, which describes communication, caring and helping with one another. Fellowship is a beautiful word. It means companionship, which a person cannot do without another person. It means communion, being united, intimate and close with another. It also means friendship, having a good relationship, camaraderie to another person, having solidarity and mutuality.

In other words, it is God’s way of letting us fulfill the law to love one another (John 13:34). It is important that each member of the church knows the importance of fellowshipping with one another because it is one of God’s reasons why we are called into His church. Apostle Paul mentions this; “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9)

Having fellowship with others would mean that we need to live with and be involved with others as Apostle Paul did in Acts 20:18. He was with the brethren of the church the whole time he was there, in person, talking with them, laughing with them, and communicating with them. And he felt happy being with them (Romans 15:24). He saw the love and concern of all the members of the church, citing their amazing contributions despite their poverty (2 Corinthians 8:4).

What will happen if we allow ourselves to commune with others?

Not only we are fulfilling God’s command to love one another, but also as we go on with our lives connecting with others, we are actually having a relationship with Christ. Remember, He told us, “…whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” (Matthew 25:45) These words are the same as whatever we do to another, we do it unto Him. If we show love to others, we are actually doing it to God.

And imagine the comfort that others could feel when we open ourselves to them, help them and inspire them to keep the faith burning at all times amidst many sufferings and trials we experience everyday. Apostle Paul experienced this, “For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn —conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever. “ (2 Corinthians 7:5-7)

Although God commands being united with others, this can be a way of making others uncomfortable, especially those who are not used to with this kind of relationship. It is better that a senior member of the church enlightens them regarding this kind of association.

Another thing, connecting with others can be bad too. Having a friendship with others can be misinterpreted. We all need to be careful about this. Not all who are connecting with others are doing it for the right reasons. Others are just taking advantage of the situation. Therefore, we need to put some limitations when we connect ourselves with others.

Apostle Paul warned all the members of the church, “Do not keep company with those who have not faith: for what is there in common between righteousness and evil, or between light and dark.” (2 Corinthians 6:14) We need to separate ourselves from evildoers. We are called unto holiness, and we are children of God, so we need to be aware of that.

Apostle Paul reminds us about God’s promise, “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)  

God’s command is to walk in love (2 John 1:6), not in darkness. Apostle John reminds us about this, “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:6-7)

(From the sermon entitled, “Kung Bakit May Ilang Kapatid ang Hindi Makapaguukol ng Buong Katapatan sa Paglilingkod” for June 28, 2015)

In all kinds of relationship, enduring faithfully is important. Relationships do not last because of lack of loyalty and devotion. This is the same with our commitment with God. Some faithful were not able to remain true because of many reasons.

As servants, we need to remain faithful to Him because it is part of our holy obligation. Apostle Paul mentions about this, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slaves or free.” (Ephesians 6:5-8)

He repeated the same message in Colossians 3:22-24, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Nowadays, it is really hard to find someone who can be loyal and faithful at all times. King Solomon says, “Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6)

 Why can’t many people remain faithful with their relationships? Why can’t many servants of God remain loyal to Him? For example, why did the ancient Israel separate from God? Why do some marriages result to separations?

One of the reasons mentioned in the Bible is the weakness of the flesh. Christ tells us, ‘the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak’ (Matthew 26:41) Because of weaknesses, we allow ourselves to be tempted and do sinful things, resulting to break our commitment with our partners, and much worse, with God. Remember Apostle Paul tells us, we always have this sinful nature and good doesn’t dwell in us (Romans 7:18). Once this sinful nature is triggered, it will always find a way to be satisfied.

The wife of Job is a perfect example. She lost her faithfulness in God when she saw Job’s sufferings. She has said, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9) The weakness to bear sufferings and trials is a reason why many relationships fail and do not last.

When people become obsessive in material gains, they forget about spirituality. A person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them, because they are discerned only through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). Some of the things that we experience in life are all trials and tests as all servants may have. These trials bring out the best in a faithful and make them more trustful and dependent on God.

Those who do not have the strength to bear such sufferings are bound to be separated from the will of God. People who have been separated from God will do whatever they want to do. They no longer have the ability to perform what is good and holy. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not doing whatever you want (Galatians 5:17).

People who do such things forget that whatever they sow on earth, they will reap it someday. If they sow in the flesh, they will gain it only in the flesh. They should not expect to benefit in the spirit (Galatians 6:8).

What do we need to do to remain faithful in God, as well as with other relationships?

What is expected of every believer is to remain faithful until the end. This may sound difficult to attain, but obviously, it is achievable because many servants have remained faithful to God until the end of their lives. What we need then to do is to do the same as what they have done, that is, to focus on our goal. Our goal is to be with God in heaven. If our eyes are set to worldly things, it will take us separate from our goal. We should focus on that goal to withstand anything.

In any failed relationship, both parties can be involved in dishonesty and deceit. This is due to absence of focus in their relationship. They might have been tempted with many things resulting to keep them apart from their relationship. When a camera lens is out of focus, all the things that it sees are blurred. Only the part that it focuses becomes clear. This is the same in our relationship with God. We become far from God because we tend to focus in many things rather than Him. Only if we focus in Him can make us linger in Him.

Servants of God take their happiness from the words of God. People of this world take theirs from worldly pleasures. Our goal is to be with God forever and this can only be attained if we remain in Him. If this is our goal, then we need to focus on this goal so that it will be very clear to us.

(From the sermon entitled “Ang Isa sa Dapat Taglayin ng mga Kapatid sa IDKH” for July 2, 2015)

Although blessed with one spirit and one faith, each member of the church remains different from one another when it comes to personal choices and traits. Each of us has its own likes or hates. What may be good to you may not be good to another, or the other way around.

This is the reason why we have different levels of faith and belief. Some are deeply rooted in the doctrines and teachings. Others are trying to get there, while some are having a hard time coping up. The Bible says there are some who keep the law, yet they still stumble (James 2:10).

The words of God may have little effect on some. Instead of being strong and firm, some have gotten too sensitive in many ways. They get easily irritated. Can that be stress related? Can that be because of the hardships they experience in life? Or, can that be lack of trust on what God can do with our lives? Jesus tells us not to worry about life, and yet many of us worry as if we have no God. Some of us do not live according to what we have heard, and much worse, we do not practice what we preach. We claim to be Christians and followers of Christ, yet it is like Christ does not dwell in us.

Are all of these traits shown by some fulfill what is mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-5? In the end 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.

These traits are not of God, nor they came from heaven. They are from this world, from the devil. Unknowingly, the wickedness of this world may have infected some of us. Apostle Peter tells us of this, “If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true:“A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.” (2 Peter 2:20-22)  

Was this evident in the early Christian times? Yes it was. In fact, Apostle Paul wrote about some of the brethren of the church of God, “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” (Titus 1:16) They were members of the church, but they behaved without discipline. They have gotten totally out of control.

This is the reason why we need to be different from them. We need to be firm and strong, following the teachings of Christ; learn how to control one’s self. By standing firm, Christ tells us that we will win this life (Luke 21:19). And we should practice it in all the moments of our lives. We should behave not only when we are attending holy services. Being holy is not only during worship time, but holiness is due at all times.

Thus, we need to follow God’s will, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) Controlling one’s body means controlling our personal desires, which can be a ticket to hell. Without control, we can get lost and be doomed.

To be able to control one’s self, we need to be sober and alert, like Apostle Peter has written, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” (1 Peter 1:13) We need to be focused on the grace given to us by Christ, which will culminate at His coming. We need to be strong and overcome our weaknesses. Remember, we can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). And, we can overcome the devil by fighting it with faith (1 Peter 5:8).

Apostle Paul reminded us, “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” (Titus 3:8)  

Our actions speak louder than our words. Our actions manifest our faith and beliefs. We are measured not by what we say who we are, but on how we are seen by others and most of all, by God. Rejoice in the Lord and be different! Apostle Paul mentions this, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Isa sa Katungkulan ng mga Mangangaral na Dapat Maunawaan ng mga Kapatid” for July 5, 2015)

The Bible tells us that we need to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3) because of the many hardships, tests and sufferings that we have as servants of God. If we cannot overcome the things the world, salvation can be far from us. However, Apostle Paul tells us, “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

The way to salvation is not that easy. There is no rosy road to heaven. It is not instant. We need to hold firmly to the words of God, which was preached to us and in which, we are commanded to walk upon. Only then, we can assure of the promised salvation. Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12). So, everyone must work for his or her salvation. Our friends or families cannot give salvation, and we cannot guarantee their salvation too. This was explained in Ezekiel 14:14, “even if these three men—Noah, Daniel and Job —were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign Lord.”  

Since the only way to salvation is through the words of God, we need leaders and mentors who will lead us towards knowledge and understanding. This is the purpose why we have preachers, ministers and elders. They were called by God to lead us with the proper knowledge and wisdom of God’s words. Without them, we cannot serve God fully. Everyone needs a mentor, who will guide and direct us and not lean on our own understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15)

When Christ first called the Apostles, they were called to be fishers of men. They were Christ’s companions to call out those who are willing to serve God, and leave all their sins behind them. However, the role of the Apostles was not defined only to be fishers of men, eventually, they learned that they would have to be shepherds of God’s flock (1 Peter 5:2-3 – Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.)  

Being shepherds of God’s flock would mean that they would need to watch over them and feed them with God’s teachings and commands. Christ commanded this because He knew what would happen to them in the near future. He knew that savage wolves will come in among them and will not spare the flock. He knew that men would arise and distort the truth in order (Acts 20:29). The flock under their care should be strong enough to overcome these people, and through the words of God, they can overcome anything.

The direction is clear for all leaders of the church. When they guide the flock, they need to do it according to God’s will, that is, they need to be like parents to their own children, caring for them all the time (1 Timothy 5:2-3 – “Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.”

The goal of the leaders is to guide and direct all members of the church until they reach the perfectness of faith. This was emphasized by Apostle Paul in his letter, “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 and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Thus, we all need to learn that leaders were given to us so we can be strong in faith and reach its fullness. Our duties as ordinary members are also clear. We need to respect our leaders and obey them because they are doing their very best to perform their holy obligations to everyone. Apostle Paul tells us, “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.” (Hebrews 13:17)

 Sometimes, it is unavoidable that their words are strong and hard for us to accept. However, those words are not meant to hurt us, but to correct when we are making mistakes. Apostle Paul asks the members before, “Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16) Telling us the truth may be wounded, but its goal is to lead us towards the right directions, and that is towards the truth.

Most importantly, it is our duty to pray for them always so they can perform well and uphold their holy obligations before God and us. If we see their mistakes, which are also inevitable, we can approach them with kindness and make them know about their errors. Overall, they act as our models in faith. Many church leaders died with honor and dignity, holding to the faith that we all received from God. Leaders will be glad if we all finish our races holding on to our faith.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Mabuting Gawa ayon sa Biblia” for July 9, 2015)

Christ commanded His followers to become a light shining before others. By doing this, the name of the Father will be glorified. But, how can we be a light of this world? In Matthew 5:16, we can read that through good deeds we will be able to glorify the name of God.

Apostle Peter mentioned this in his letter, which says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12 NIV) This is a very important commandment from God that we should follow. In fact, the purpose of our existence is to do good deeds, which was planned by God before we were even born. This was explained by Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:10, which 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 NIV)

However, the Bible needs to be clear on what is doing good deeds means. Doing good deeds according to the Bible is not the typical way of doing good things as we often do. We need to examine how the Bible defines it. The Bible tells us that it is the obedience to the will of God, which is the fulfillment of the law, is the only good deed that God considers. Apostle Paul tells us about this in Romans 7:12, “So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.” (Romans 7:12 NIV)

King Solomon testified about this. He mentioned that the whole duty of mankind is to fear the Lord and fulfill God’s commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13) And from this principle, we will be judged by God when the right time comes (verse 12:14). The Bible also tells us that we have to follow every detail of God’s commands. The fulfillment of the law requires us to follow God’s commands into His house. The house of God is where we ought to fulfill His law. Ancient Israel performed their holy obligations in the house of God, which is the Temple of God. In the New Testament, the house of God is referred to as the church of God, which was purchased by the blood of Christ. This is where we ought to fulfill every good deed or command of God. The services we do outside the house of God can only be considered as memorial offering.

The same calling was told to Cornelius in Acts chapter 10. Cornelius was God fearing and devout, as well as his family. They pray to God regularly and were a generous giver. However, to God, it was not enough. His deeds were only considered as a memorial offering to Him. At the end of this chapter, we can read how God sent a messenger to preach to Him and his family. They were all converted into the church of God. Thus, good deeds are not enough. We need to do it inside the house of God.

This is the reason why every Apostle, including Apostle Paul was placed in the church of God when they were called. 1 Corinthians 1:1-2 tells us, “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 NIV)

Apostle Paul advised the members of the church to be always prepared in doing good deeds. He tells us, “equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:21 NIV) By doing this, we will not only benefit in this life, but as well as to the life to come. The reason is because every good deed we perform is building up a foundation

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:18-19 NIV)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Pagdating ng mga Panahon ng Kaginhawang Mula sa Harapan ng Panginoong Dios” for July 12, 2015)

God promises spiritual renewal for those who seek His name and repented from their sins. This was the battle cry of the Apostles (Acts 3:19) to ancient Israelites whom they invited to get back to the Lord. Being guilty of turning back from the Lord is the usual sin of these people and have given them tiredness and weariness in life.

The Apostles encouraged them to get back to the Lord, because it is the only way to get rid of their weariness. God will grant them time of refreshing, a period where they will experience God’s grace and renew their spirits and lift them up from their apathy. However, this would only happen if they would receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which they would at the time of baptism (Acts 2:38).

This is the grace that all members of the church of God receive when they were called to be faithful. God first called the Apostles, the teachers and the rest of them; and He placed them all in His church, which is the church of God (1 Corinthians 12:28; 1:1-2). Among the primary duties of the Apostles is to bring back those who wander from the truth and bring them back to the Lord. Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20)

How will God bring renewal of the spirit? The gift of the Holy Spirit will enlighten the heart of those who will receive God’s mercy. They will receive the comfort of their soul from His words and teachings. They will see things clearly and will prosper in everything they do (Deuteronomy 29:9).

They will be likened to a tree planted near the bank of the river.  The book of Psalms 1:3 tells us of this, “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.”

They will receive strength from God. They will be trustful in God and hope is always seen in them even in difficult situations. They will never be afraid, “does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green, It has no worries in a year of drought, and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8) They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. (Psalms 112:7)

They will always have the courage and will not fear anything. Proverbs 1:33 tells us, “but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” These will all be given to those who seek God and turn away from their sins. Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)

At the time a member received the gift of the Holy Spirit, it will create him a burning desire to do the will of God. However, there is a moment of complacency in some members. Being complacent means no actions, no movements, no good deeds, no fruits and this is not good at all. Suddenly the desire to do the will of God fades. This can happen to anyone and this can be very dangerous to us.

We need to keep the flames of faith burning. How? The only way to keep our faith being passionate is to always keep on going and doing the right things. Apostle Paul tells us, “Do not put out the light of the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) This is a simple advice. Putting out the light means will result to darkness. At any given situation, darkness is the absence of light. The absence of the light will create in us darkness. The only way to keep it always on is not to cease from doing good deeds and continue doing the will of God.

The book of Revelations 2:5 warns us that God will certainly take the light from us if we do not change, “So keep in mind where you were at first, and be changed in heart and do the first works; or I will come to you, and will take away your light from its place, if your hearts are not changed.” This means that we need to make changes in our lives. We need to make a complete turn around from being a very sinful person to being a person of God.

Remember the blessings that a person receives when he enters God grace. Psalms 128:1-4 tells us of this, “Happy is the worshipper of the Lord, who is walking in his ways. You will have the fruit of the work of your hands: happy will you be, and all will be well for you. Your wife will be like a fertile vine in the inmost parts of your house: your children will be like olive plants round your table. See! this is the blessing of the worshipper of the Lord” 

Indeed, God is merciful and full of love for us. His love is unending and He wants us to experience His love and compassion. However, this could only happen if we follow His will and commands. Only His followers will receive better ending. The ending would be profound and immeasurable because God will give His greatest promise, to be with Him forever, in heaven.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Masama at Mabuting Paggugol ng Salapi” for July 16, 2015)

When money talks, everyone listens. Who doesn’t? Money is an essential thing.

The Bible tells us that money is the answer for everything (Ecclesiastes 10:19). In other translations, it is the answer for all things. In another verse, it is a shelter (Ecclesiastes 7:12). However, we know for a fact that money can only answer about material things. Money is material and it can only provide solutions for things that are quantifiable or measurable. It cannot answer beyond that. It cannot solve the problems of happiness, heartbreaks, emotional or spiritual problems and the likes.

Having plenty of money is advantageous. Life can be luxurious and comfortable if we have money. King Solomon says that money attracts many friends. Actually, having money makes a popular person. (Proverbs 19:4)

Money is only a utility tool. Like any other utility tools, it can be used both in good and bad ways. It always depends on the person using it. When the motive of the person is good, money can be a powerful tool to do good deeds and can help a lot of people in many ways. However, when the person’s intentions are wicked, money can also be a powerful instrument to do wicked things, like ruining lives, fulfilling earthly desires or material addictions and the likes.

When money is used to cover the truth (bribe), then it is wicked (Micah 3:11).

People who have money become super proud and boast of their great riches (Psalms 49:6). They trust their wealth more than God and failed to serve the Lord (Luke 12:19-20). Some people went to far away places to find good fortune, sacrificing everything for the sake of money. Just to clear things out, there is nothing wrong with going abroad to find a mean of livelihood. However, some of them failed to serve God. They forgot that God is not only a God of their native land, but also a God whom we can serve wherever we are.

The love of money is the worst thing that a person can do. It is truly the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Money itself is good, but the love of it can change a person’s perception in life completely. Judas Iscariot sold Christ for just thirty pieces of silver. Ananias and Zafira in the book of the acts of the Apostle hid their wealth and sinned against the Holy Spirit. The bachelor failed to sacrifice all his wealth and failed to follow Christ.

Apostle Paul tells us, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

From these verses, we notice that there are two kinds of wealth. There is wealth that can provide us with everything for our enjoyment and the other one that can lay up treasures and a firm foundation for the world to come.

Having money or wealth is also a responsibility. Anything that comes from God is always coupled with accountability. Wealth and money are not given to us for the sake of enjoyment only and having a comfortable life. It should be used to create good deeds and provide for the needs of one’s family. We can also use money for helping others who are in need.

The most beautiful thing that money can do for us is to be able to use it in great ways, which are pleasurable to the Lord. Despite their poverty, the brethren in Macedonia shared more than what they have. Even with little wealth, we can show what sacrifice is all about. The old widow donated everything she got without thinking if she still has something to eat or spend.

Opening our hearts to the church is a great way to maximize the power of money. Money can be a tool of wickedness, but it can also be a sacred tool for showing how we are thankful to the Lord. By bringing our personal offerings, we are definitely earning the pleasure of the Lord. The Bible tells us of this, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Isang Bagay na Dapat Hingin ng Bawat Lingkod sa ating Panginoong Dios” for July 19, 2015)

As servants of God, we learned that God is benevolent in all His ways. He can provide us with all that we need, especially those that are according to His will and not ours. In fact, no one can say that God had neglected us in the past days. Everyday, we see how much God had shown us with His mercy and love towards us.

Oftentimes, we ask and God answers us quietly, providing all our requests, small or big. We also learned that we receive what we ask in accorded time, in God’s time. Sometimes, we may not receive according to what we ask of Him, but He mercifully gives us what’s best for us. Some requests may have not come yet because God is still preparing for something better.

However, a true servant of God doesn’t always ask for things that are material. A true servant knows how to ask and what to ask of the Lord. David tells us of this, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalms 27:4) 

David prayed for dwelling in the house of the Lord all the days of his life. Does anyone of us ask about this? Does anyone of us pray and just simply ask about dwelling in His house? Why did David pray of dwelling in the house of the Lord all the days of his life? What is it with the house of the Lord that makes it special?

David tells us the answer in Psalms 93:5, “holiness befits the house of the Lord.” The word befits means applies. It is in the house of the Lord that we can perform holiness and pleasurable things to God. This means that the only way we can create holy deeds is through the house of the Lord. Prophet Ezra tells us, “Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven.” (Ezra 7:23)

The house of God described in the New Testament is no longer the physical temple built for God. This time, the temple or house of God is a spiritual temple, comprising the Apostles, teachers, members who are called unto holiness (1 Corinthians 1:1-2). It is the house of God, which is the church of God, the pillar and the foundation of truth (1 Timothy 3:15).

Dwelling in the house of God brings us closer to Him. We get to see His beauty. His beauty encompasses all His doctrines and teachings that lead us closer to Him and the promised eternal life. As long as we are dwelling in His house, we can avoid what happened to those who turn their backs from Him. They now have a life worse than what they have before. Some of them came back to their former lives, which are abominations to the Lord.

The Proverbs tell us about this, “It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true:“A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.” (2 Peter 2:21-22)

Turning away from God is a sign of failure and defeat. No one who surrenders would triumph. The Bible tells us that a servant shall live by faith (Hebrews 10:38-39). And the punishment of those who surrendered, and turned against God is also eternal, that is, everlasting torment in eternal fire (Revelations 21:8).

The logic of the Bible is simple. If the church is the body of Christ, and Christ will save His own church, then anyone who were called to be a servant in His church are bound for salvation. However, the Apostle Paul tells us the assurance of salvation is by keeping the faith. He tells us, “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel, I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)