The Struggle

Our life is like a game of sports. It usually requires more than one participants competing either in teams or competing as individuals. 

Sports are usually governed by a set of rules or customs which serve to ensure fair competition, and allow consistent adjudication of the winner.

While sports are governed by a set of rules our struggle in life as Christians has written laws to follow which will be the sole basis of judgment in declaring who the winners are.

In Sports, the struggle is between man against another man. In life, the struggle is between the inner man and the outer man.

Rom 7:14-15  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do, I allow not: for what I would, that I do not; but what I hate, that I do.

It's an struggle between good and evil. The evil being the strongest in the world.

Jn 15:19  If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

But knowing the Gospel of Christ as the basis of judgment at the end of the race, we should strive to stay within the parameters of the Gospel to ensure victory. 

Rom 2:16  In the day when God shall judge the secrets of  men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

1 Jn 1:3  That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 

While it seems that life in this world is a journey wasted in favor of the spirit.

2 Cor 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man is wasted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 

Let us go on with our life unto perfection, knowing that we profit nothing from the flesh.

Jn 6:63  It is the spirit that reviveth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life.

The Anti-Christ

Antichrist as defined by +Merriam Webster Dictionary is the Chief enemy of Christ who would reign at the end of time, first mentioned in the epistles of St. John. The idea of a mighty ruler who will appear at the end of time to fight against the forces of good was adapted from Judaism; the Jewish concept in turn had been influenced by Iranian and Babylonian myths of the battle of God and the devil at the end of time.

In the New Testament, the Antichrist is a tempter who works by signs and wonders and seeks divine honors. It was a potent concept in medieval Christianity that received the attention of many commentators including Adso of Montier-en-Der, whose work became the basic medieval treatise on the Antichrist.

An example of being an antichrist is forbidding anyone to marry and commanding his people or workers under him to abstain from eating meat on specific time of the season which they considered a "holy day".

1 Tim 4:1  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons;

1 Tim 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

1 Tim 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving by them who believe and know the truth.

Forgetting this one verse in the Bible regarding serving God with one wife.

1 Tim 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children, and their own houses well.  

Though there is a big difference in focus between the married and the unmarried.

1 Cor 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

1 Cor 7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

1 Cor 7:32  But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

1 Cor 7:33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

1 Cor 7:34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

Marriage therefore is a matter of choice, thus marrying is not a sin.

1 Cor 7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

1 Cor 7:37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

1 Cor 7:38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

To make a decree or a law forbidding anyone to marry (removing him from performing his spiritual duty if he opted to marry) is one of the doctrines of demons and therefore it's the  antichrist.

All Things That You Desire

God does not approve the wrong conduct of men, but that he had kind feelings toward them, or was "earnestly desirous" of their happiness.

God hates wickedness, but he still desires the Happiness of those who are sinful. "He hates the sin, but loves the repentant sinner." 

A parent may love his child and desire his welfare, and yet be strongly opposed to the wrong conduct of that child. When we approve the evil conduct of another, this is blind love unaware of the danger that lies ahead; when we desire simply their happiness, this is an act of kindness.

Jn 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.

If I did not ask God to give his son for my sins and yet he did, my own and personal desire therefore is nothing compared to what has given. Though he knows what is best for us we should still pray and ask.

Phil 4:6  Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

 Ask therefore and believe that we already received it.

Mt 21:22  And all things whatever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Mk 11:24  Therefore I say to you, Whatever things ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Instead of desiring what others have, envy others because we don't have, the scripture commanded us to ask. 

Jas 4:2  Ye lust and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

But remember, ask only what you need and not just to satisfy the lust of the flesh.

Jas 4:3  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Because the Lord sees the way of the upright and know the end of the sinner which is destruction.

Prov 3:33  The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

God is Everywhere?

The question of God’s omnipotence has historically caused little controversy. Basically, being omnipresent means being present everywhere at the same time. Can this term be applied to God? What does the Scripture tell us?

There is no verse/s found in the Scripture that says: God is everywhere. It is only the eyes of the Lord that is everywhere.

Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. 

My understanding dictates that, if God is everywhere, there is no need for Satan to go back and forth from heaven to earth and vice versa,  accusing us before our God day and night. 

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night.

In fact, God ask Satan where he came from one day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

Job 1:7 And the LORD said to Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down upon it.

If He is everywhere, there is no need for Him to send legions of Angels guarding us from evil harm.

Ps 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth around them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Mt 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he will presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

Moreover, the LORD Almighty assured us that he will hear our prayers from heaven.

2 Chronicles 7:14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

And when Jesus was made flesh, He taught us to pray to our Father which art in heaven.

Lk 11:2 And he said to them, When ye pray, say, Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. 

At what instance then will the LORD Almighty be in our midst? In this verse, He said, "I myself will go also".

Zechariah 8:20-21 “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘ Peoples shall yet come, Inhabitants of many cities; The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “ Let us continue to go and pray before the LORD, And seek the LORD of hosts. I myself will go also.”

It is also at this instance will our Lord Jesus Christ be in our midst.

Mt 18:19  Again I say to you, That if two of you shall agree on earth, concerning any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by my Father who is in heaven.

Mt 18:20 For where two or three are assembled in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Though the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands, He made himself available always in the congregation and assembly of his faithful.

Acts 7:48 Yet, the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet,

Acts 17:24 God that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Let us therefore hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised:

Heb 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

There is really no need for our God to be present at all times. We can always pray and ask for protection and guidance anytime we want to for He knows the intent of our heart. 

Jer 17:9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 

Jer 17:9  I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Dead Works

It is  "All Souls day" and "All Saints day" once again and people are busy doing their own dead thing though  in biblical analysis this is not right.

Remember that the punishment for an evil work comes not quickly so the minds of the sons of men are fully given to doing evil or doing dead works.

We are talking of spirits here and no man has the power to stop death neither the dead has the power to know anything after his death.

Eccl 8:7 For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?

Eccl 8:8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

The righteous die to rescue him from the evil that will come.

Isa 57:1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.

The unrighteous die to stop him from doing more evil rescuing the righteous.

Lev 20:14 And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.

The spirit of the unrighteous and the disobedient will be put in prison like those who died in the days of Noah.

1 Pet 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

1 Pet 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

But the spirit of the righteous person goes back to God as seen by Saint John under the altar in heaven.

Rev 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Rev 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Rev 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

No amount of prayer then can save the unrighteous who died and in prison, more so with the righteous where their spirits are already in heaven with God.

Eccles 9:4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

Eccles 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Eccles 9:6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

For they shall be judged according to their works while still living in the day the Lord will finally judge the living and the dead: In the day the dead will be risen to live an eternal life or to suffer eternal punishment.

Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

1 Jn 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

If we are not allowed to pray for the sins committed unto death while they are still living, why pray for the souls of those who died unrighteous?

Ezek 18:24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

Yes to remembering your dead though to pay tribute in a lavish and extravagant way is not necessary. Celebrating therefore "All Souls Day" or "All Saints Day" is a waste of time, effort and money for the dead has no more day and there is no more reason to feast for the soul of the dead.

1 Cor 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1 Cor 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Looking Back

Ang hindi (marunong) lumingon sa pinanggalingan, di makararatíng sa paroroonan.

In English, He who does not (know how to) look back at his past (where he came from) will not reach his destination.

Jokingly, He who does not (know how to) look back at his past (where he came from) has a stiff neck.

May be true in some aspect but not biblical. Looking back  will lead no one anywhere.

Gal 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Saint Paul never looked back at the way of his life in the past with the Jews' religion where he persecuted the church of God, and ravaged it:

Phil 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

When God rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah sulfur and fire from out of the sky, the wife of Lot looked back from behind him, and became a pillar of salt.

Gen 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Moses never looked back at the status once he belong. Leaving the comfort and power being the son of Pharaoh's daughter.

Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

Heb 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Heb 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Heb 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

For we were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk now as children of light and never look back.

1 Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Truly, it's nice remembering the lust of the flesh.  But those things which were once profit to me, I gave up for Christ.

Phil 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Sun of Righteousness

Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Will I have to wait before the sun go down for my anger to subside? What if the sin is committed after the sun goes down where the next event is sunrise? Precisely, this is literal and not spiritual.

1 Cor 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1 Cor 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

What we should not let down is the sun of righteousness which is meek, kind, considerate and loving not hatred between each other.

Mal 4:2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Above video is a good example of the sun that goes down upon their wrath.

Prov 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

1 Cor 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Bad for you man, the sun should not go down upon your wrath for the woman is a fighter.

Hungry God

It took me years to read the Bible but still I am hungry for the word of God. Every time there is a chance of attending fellowship in the congregation of Saints, off and there I go.

My point of view as a faithful believer is that, I am still hungry even unto this very day. And how about God, does he feel hungry for the simple reason that he also has a mouth?

Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

God also has a sense of smell, the reason why the Israelite of the old times are commanded to offer sacrifices unto him for the forgiveness of their sins.

Lev 3:16 And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savor: all the fat is the LORD's.

Come to think of it, does the smell really please him or the one who offered the sacrifice pleases him?

Heb 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Heb 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

Heb 10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

Remember that God is spirit with no flesh and bones.

Lk 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

Present therefore our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our spiritual service.

Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

So that even we are saved or perished with God, we are a sweet savor unto him through Christ Jesus.

2 Cor 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

We must not be weary in doing well: for in due season we shall reap, if we continue in faith.

Rev 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

Rev 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Let us take our part in God's spiritual being, If he is hungry, not for the literal food we think sumptuous, then let's feed him with good works.

2 Pet 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

2 Pet 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

2 Pet 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

2 Pet 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God of Justice

This article has something to do with accusing finger. Truth or fabricated accusations, the accused must prove his innocence. Accusations are common in a relationship either between employer and employee, husband and wife, master and servants etc.

A follower is a person who accepts the teachings of another. The follower is a disciple serving his master in everything it pleases him.

In layman's term, never a master did served his followers for it is the other way around.

Jn 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Jn 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

But Jesus is also a servant of God working day and night.

Jn 9:4  I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

King David sinned against the Lord when he took the wife of his soldier Uriah named Bathsheba.

2 Sam 12:1 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

2 Sam 12:2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:

2 Sam 12:3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.

2 Sam 12:4 And there came a traveler unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.

2 Sam 12:5 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:

2 Sam 12:6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

2 Sam 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

2 Sam 12:8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.

2 Sam 12:9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

He is a God of justice so he must punish David for his inequities but spared his life for a sin not leading to death.

2 Pet 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

2 Pet 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

2 Pet 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

Just imagine the work to be done when one sinned against God. He makes sure that Satan can not accused him of injustice. Satan accused us night and day presenting to God even the smallest sin we had committed. God acted accordingly and made the holy sacrifice.  He sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 Jn 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

God's Mercy

A question came to my mind. Were the two (2) thief who was crucified together with our Lord Jesus Christ exonerated from their sins since they died together for their own sins? Alas, the other one repented not.

We all know that Jesus died without sin when he was nailed on a tree.

1 Pet 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1 Pet 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

And He pleaded guilty for our sins neither defended himself from the accusations hurled against Him.

1 Pet 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

1 Pet 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Many might think, there is injustice here but let me put it this way: Between a Janitor and a President of the Company; do you pity the janitor cleaning the toilet or would you rather have mercy on the President cleaning the toilet?

Or maybe you would doubt the scenario that a President of a certain Company can go down to that level of being a Janitor but Jesus did.

Phil 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Phil 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Though in the beginning He is God.

Jn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Jn 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

What was magnified in the nailing of Jesus is the mercy He obtained from God thus made Him worthy to be called "the only mediator between God and men".

Tim 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

The Assembly

A meeting according to wikipedia definition is a gathering of two or more people that has been convened for the purpose of achieving a common goal through verbal interaction, such as sharing information or reaching agreement.

Mt 18:20 For where two or three are assembled in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

The purpose of Jesus Christ being in the midst of two or more people is to act as mediator between God and men. He should not be there, in the first place, doing nothing.

1 Tim 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Meetings may occur face to face or virtually, as mediated by communications technology, such as a telephone conference call, a skyped conference call or a videoconference.

Between God and men, the meeting is face to face and personal. And God said "I will go also".

Zech 8:20 Thus saith the LORD of hosts: It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

Zech 8:21 And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.

Thus, a meeting may be distinguished from other gatherings, such as a chance encounter (not convened), a sports game or a concert (verbal interaction is incidental), a party or the company of friends (no common goal is to be achieved) and a demonstration (whose common goal is achieved mainly through the number of demonstrators present, not verbal interaction).

The meeting of God and Satan is a good example of a chance encounter.

Job 2:1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

Job 2:2 And the LORD said to Satan, Whence comest thou? and Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down upon it.

Job 2:3 And the LORD said to Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and shunneth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

Meetings and gatherings are done for the purpose of seeking grace or favor and mercy from the Lord. The presence of God and Jesus Christ is a prerequisite in resolving the noble issues that may be bestowed upon us.

2 Chron 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Prodigal Son

Perhaps most of my readers, if not all, know the story of a prodigal son though the word prodigal son was never mentioned in the Bible. To cut the story short, this is the ending of the story;

Lk 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have bread enough and to spare, and I am perishing with hunger!

Lk 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

Lk 15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

Lk 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

The best part of the story is the joy that the repenting (not prodigal) son brings to heaven and to the angels of God.

Lk 15:7 I say to you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, who need no repentance.

Lk 15:10 Likewise, I say to you, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Note that it is the son returning, meaning he is already a son after he became a sinner. Completely different from one who is not yet a son and must yet to believe on Jesus to become a son.

Jn 1:12 But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Note also that the sins committed by the son is a sin not unto death. A sin committed only by the lust of the flesh for every man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed.

Heb 10:26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful apprehension of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Without and Within

I have discussed in my previous post that there are two (2) kinds of men found outside the Church of God. One already judged and the other to be judged by God Himself.

1 Cor 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Matt 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Also, there are two (2) kinds of member found inside the Church of God that is called a brother.

1 Cor 5:11 But now I have written to you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother is a lewd person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner: with such person no not to eat.

For them that are within, there is more important thing to desire - deemed as the better way.

1 Cor 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts. And yet I show to you a more excellent way.

Mt 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who go in by it.

Mt 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth to life, and few there are that find it.

I thought all along that above passages are meant for those not within, but this was said by Jesus to the Apostles who are already ministers of the Church.

Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and lewd men, and murderers, and idolaters, and whoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time.

1 Thess 4:12 That ye may walk honestly towards them that are without, and that ye may have need of nothing.

The Church of God is likened to a couple and a son inside the house;

While sleeping inside the room, the woman sense that there is someone outside prompting him to wake up her husband to investigate who later found out his own son watching television shows in the sala. The sala is within the house but without the room.

Mk 4:11 And he said to them, To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but to them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Judges

Backsliders are compared to a sow, who after being declared clean, choose to return to their old place where they feel comfortable and also to a dog who eat his own vomit.

2 Pet 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

You have a very strong appetite if you can eat your own vomit or practically swim in the mud after taking a bath. The latter made me remember , in one evening, the television episode featuring a man entering the toilet sink to help in the siphoning process. All for a measly sum of Three Hundred Pesos (php 300.00).

Prov 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man [shall be satisfied] from himself.

Backsliders therefore has no more room for forgiveness not even permitted to make sacrifice for his sins.

Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

There are those found outside the Church to be judged by God, backsliders are not included as they are already judged inside by the Church.

1 Cor 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

1 Cor 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Therefore, what the Church declared wicked on earth shall also be considered wicked in heaven.

Matt 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

1 Cor 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

Servant

Serving the Lord is holiness. Lest we won't forget the condition, only if we sin not & when one endures persecution to the end then truly he is a servant.

Jn 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say to you, Whoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin.

Literally speaking, servants do not live in the house forever, they come and go.

Jn 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever, but the Son abideth for ever.

Jesus being in the house forever must be obeyed by the servant.

Lk 14:23 And the lord said to the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

For you to become servants of anybody, one must give himself to do what his master desire.

Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants in obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?

No servant therefore can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. We can not serve God and sin at the same time.

We serve in exchange of something. There is nobody in his righteous mind serving anybody in his whole life for free or in vain.

1 Tim 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing gain to be godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

1 Tim 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Tim 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Deliver Us

We are facing a dangerous life not everyday but every hour.

1 Cor 15:30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

1 Cor 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

1 Cor 15:32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

1 Cor 15:33 Be not deceived: Evil communications corrupt good manners.

We need to have protection from evil. Below verse should not be written if it is not so.

Ps 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth around them that fear him, and delivereth them.

In fact, there are many verses in the Bible proving that the angels of the Lord really came and delivered them from fear and death.

Lk 2:9 And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were in great fear.

2 Cor 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us:

Apostle Paul also stated in his letter to the Corinthians.

2 Cor 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often.

2 Cor 11:24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes save one.

2 Cor 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once I was stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

2 Cor 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

2 Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

2 Cor 11:28 Besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

It is our consolation therefore that God the Father really cares for us He knowing everything about us.

Mt 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father.

Mt 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Mt 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Sparrows have no angels guarding them but all people of God have. Who is afraid then of temptation, sin or death if you know these assurances from God.

Lk 12:4 And I say to you, my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Is this not taught by Jesus in the Lord's prayer?

Mt 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Lk 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Pleasure

War, family dispute, grievance, controversy, quarrel, fighting are just the end result of the wars fought within our body.

Jas 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even from your lusts that war in your members?

In the above instance, evidently, the flesh won against the spirit.

Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Remember that the Children of God don't wrestle against flesh and blood nor use force to enforce personal interest.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Killing will not save the body from eternal punishment, it is the doing of the flesh that we are to get rid of or kill. 

Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; lewdness, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

1 Cor 5:11 But now I have written to you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother is a lewd person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner: with such person no not to eat.

The truth is, we must take wrong  and suffer ourselves to be defrauded by the so called brethren.

In a husband & wife relationship for example, each one has its own personal opinion unacceptable to the other. One has to give in for the issue to be resolved, otherwise something worst might happen. Giving in indeed is not a sign of being weak in the hope that he/she will realize later his/her wrong doings.

1 Cor 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

The resulting controversy however, grieve the Holy Spirit of God that might leave us groping in the dark.

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed to the day of redemption.

There is no better things done by man under the sun. Everything is done in satisfying the lusts of the flesh.

Eccles 8:15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

Saving for incoming birthday, blessing of the house, feast in honor of whomsoever & such other vainly provisions are for the lusts of the flesh.

Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the lusts of flesh.

Even at this instance alone we will know who is the children of God & who is not. For they that loveth pleasure are the children of the devil.

1 Jn 3:9 Whoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1 Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Forfeited

Examine ourselves, whether we are still in the faith unless we are disqualified because of the temptation.

Jas 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Sin out of ignorance may be forgiven as Paul knowing Jews' religion as the truth persecuted the Church of God but later preached the faith which once he destroyed.

Heb 10:26-27 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful apprehension of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Once we receive therefore the salvation offered and we become abusive, careless and neglect His will then it's forfeited.

1 Chro 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou shalt seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou shalt forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Set our hope fully upon the grace stored for us at the coming of Jesus Christ.

1 Pet 1:14-16 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of deportment. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

So the next time we read below the first requirement of salvation which is believing in Him, think of the works expected of a believer.

Jn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Let us look to ourselves then, that we lose not those things which we have acquired that we may receive the full reward so as not to be marked "forfeited".

Faith

Thomas has his faith only when he saw it and have believed.

John 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Others acquired their faith by just hearing the word of God although not seen yet they have believed.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

But faith alone without works can not save.

James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

James 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

The evidence that you have faith of things not seen are your works following what God has commanded with a complete trust in the hope to everlasting life. Same with God where the evidence of things not seen are His marvelous works.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Let us therefore put ourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. This is the ultimate and the highest form of faith a Christian should achieve.

Philippians 2:6-8 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

It may be true that one has to have faith in Christ but it is holy and pure if you have the faith of Christ Jesus himself.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

And Jesus said:

Matthew 12:50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”

And one will of the Father is this:

Matthew 5:32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

Matthew 19:9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”

How dare you to call Him Brother when you have a selective faith. Worst if your work is justified by evil men and you.

James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

James 3:2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

1 John 2:5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

But God is justice and love. If you did it out of ignorance then you are forgiven.

James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

But as Manny Pacquiao said, Now You Know.

Nostrils

Are we not all lived because of the breathed made by God on our nostrils?

Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

But why did the Scripture stops us from trusting a man whose breath is in his nostrils?

Isaiahs 2:22 Sever yourselves from such a man, Whose breath is in his nostrils; For of what account is he?

Because if anyone lives according to the flesh are considered dead in the Spirit.

1 Timothy 5:6 But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.

These are the works of the flesh.

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Those who continue to live in pleasure, although breathing in the nose, are all dead so we are commanded to stop trusting in them or even mingle or eat with them. So the inner man who lives within your heart will not be afflicted, overpowered or subdued.

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a miserable man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.