The Father

Take note that an existing law may be re-affirmed, superseded or changed to a more appropriate law. It is a transition from the law of Moses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Luke 16:16 “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.

There was an instance in the Bible where the Prophets like Abraham are called Father in the Old Testament. This is one justification used by Catholics why they are called Father.

John 8:53 Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

And Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples and to scribes and the Pharisees saying:

Matthew 23:9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.

Above is a good example of a change in law but below was a superseded law.

Deuteronomy 14:8 Also the swine is unclean for you, because it has cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud; you shall not eat their flesh or touch their dead carcasses.

This is the new law.

Matthew 15:16-17 So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated?

Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man.

Acts 11:7-9 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’

Now the priests want to justify their position saying.

Let us not concentrate in one aspect only which is the word Father because there are three that must be considered for us to be holistic in our thinking.

1) do not let yourself be called MASTER

2) Do not call anyone on earth your FATHER

3) …nor should you be called TEACHER

Matthew 23:9-11 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.

There was no law in the entire Bible especially the new testament that the prohibition of calling anyone a father was superseded.

But for the Master and the Teacher is this;

1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

As the Scripture said, God has appointed them. Who are we to question it?

As Paul said to his letter to the Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 4:14-15 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

This is not like a father and son relationship where when your son begotten a son then you are the grandfather and when the grandson begotten a son then you are the great grandfather. If we are not allowed to call anyone a Father then logically we are all sons of the Father or just brothers. Isn't it that they call Jesus Christ "bro" or brother?

The word "as my beloved children" is just like saying likened to. Although it connotes a father and son relationship but still they don't have the authority to be called father or even used it as a title in their name. Have you read in the entire Bible that the Apostles used Father as a title? In fact Paul was called by Peter beloved brother.

2 Peter 3:15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,

Do Priests have the same authority with God or a higher authority over Jesus Christ and the Apostles?

Hebrews 7:23-24 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.

If they call Jesus Christ as our forever & unchangeable Priest "Bro" then it's a weird doctrine to call themselves "father" or "holy father" or "most holy father" or "reverend father".

A very unstable father. lol

The Way of the Lord

Listening and following God is beneficial not to Him but to us in the long run. Afterall for by his act we were given existence in Christ Jesus to do those good works which God before made ready for us so that we might do them.

Making it clear to us that we are to put ourselves under rulers and authorities, to do what they are ordered and  be ready for every good work.

Tit 2:12 Teaching us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and piously, in this present world;

In a relationship for example, it is the desire of God for us to have focus, to be free from anxieties for the unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, on how to please the Lord; but the married man is anxious about worldly affairs, on how to please his wife, and his interests are divided.

1 Cor 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

This teaching is the same with the homosexuals and the lesbians like the eunuchs. The marriage is between a man and woman for God created they. If they are not comfortable with that then be holy and forever remain single with a promise of reward from G0D better than man and woman.

Is 56:4 For thus saith the LORD to the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even to them will I give in my house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

The covenant of sabbath to Israel is the old testament; the new covenant or the new testament for the Christians is the gospel of Christ as the old is now obsolete.

Heb 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and groweth old is ready to vanish away.

But marriage is not an instant reunion. It must have a serious preparation and planning, like an engineer who will build a house or a nation that will go to war with another nation.

Lk 14:28-30 For which of you intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he hath sufficient to finish it? Lest perhaps after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Lk 14:31-32 Or what king going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an embassy, and desireth conditions of peace.

This is not a situation we viewed in movies where after a boy meet a lonely stranger girl at the bar, the next romantic scene is in bed. Jacob courted his wife Rachel and waited for 7 years without sex and another 7 years after the deceitful switching of  Leah made by Rachel's father Laban.

Gen 29:16-18 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah was tender-eyed, but Rachel was beautiful and well-favored. And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.

You see, marrying a stranger or foreign woman not permitted by God is a disaster. For clarity, stranger in this verse are the ungodly and the unbelievers.

Lev 22:12 If the priest's daughter also shall be married to a stranger, she may not eat of an offering of the holy things.

1 Kings 11:1-5 But king Solomon loved many foreign women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said to the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in to you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon cleaved to these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

So what is the lesson here? The lesson is to be patient. Remember that patient is a virtue. Don't be in a hurry in jumping into a relationship. Have trust in the Lord that someone is on your way; when you are prepared and be ready to marry.

Prov 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

For what can you gain when you bear sons and daughters that you can't raise and feed. They are souls valuable in the eyes of God more than the value of the whole world.

Mt 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

This is the way of the Lord. AMEN.

Helper

Nowadays, household chore seems to be the problem of the family. Washing the dishes for example, bridge the gap between siblings due to work schedules.

The so-called affluent find no problem with this for they can always hire a helper to do the job.

In the beginning, the first man Adam was given a helper to help him.

Gen 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone: I will make him a help meet for him.

Gen 2:19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them; and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was its name.

Gen 2:20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowls of the air, and to every beast of the field: but for Adam there was not found a help meet for him.

Gen 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.

Gen 2:22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, he made woman, and brought her to the man.

With this man & woman relationship comes the idea of the term soul mate among lovers, derived may be from the fact that the formed man from the dust of the ground when breathed into the nostrils became a living soul.

Gen 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 soul.

Although the word "soul" and "mate" have been frequently used in the Bible, there is no way that the soul has a mate because they are spirit with no flesh & bones, like the Angels of God.

Mt 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

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.

But if "soul mate" is biblically true, everyone should have a wife or a mate, but it is not always the case like Saint Paul who remained unmarried, same with our Lord Jesus and His other ministers like Titus and Timothy who were single according to the Bible.

1 Cor 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they remain even as I.

The commandment is go ye and multiply so that helpers called as slaves or maids are not exempted to procreate.

Gen 30:9 When Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah, her maid, and gave her Jacob for a wife.

Gen 30:10 And Zilpah, Leah's maid, bore Jacob a son.

But in this present situation where population growth is still increasing, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.

1 Cor 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

1 Cor 7:29 But this I say, brethren, The time is short. It remaineth, that both they that have wives, be as though they had none;

I mean, today, you dare touch your maid and you're a rapist or maybe a simple case of sexual harassment or malicious mischief.

Why the change in dealings with women as a wife?

Heb 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

Heb 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

Lk 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

But Jesus, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. And by the Apostles who by the inspiration of the holy spirit, made a new law.

1 Tim 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

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.

God's Word In Wrong Perspective

My friend quoted this passage to me in support of being stucked in his religion knowing his married Pastor has an illicit relationship with his 2 female brethren.

John 9:24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

John 9:25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

See, said the Pastor, just look on the good things that I am doing.

I was shocked that a wicked pastor of religion can use the bible to justify his evil doings.

What my friend consider as of now is the charitable and medical missions conducted by their group in the remote areas. It feels good to do charities, he said.

1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

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

It is sad to note that my friend is still drinking and smoking but boastfully saying that he's not a drunkard.

That due to the nature of his business, a salesman, drinking and cigarette smoking is part of his representation. Additionally, he doesn't want to be branded as gay.

Gays don't drink and smoke? What a f..k "freak".

A couple of beer isn't bad, he said, and it is not excessive. He quoted this verse:

1 Peter 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

What an evil justification using God's word in the wrong perspective.

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Galatians 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

The word "and such like" includes all vices. If you ask me, where is smoking there?, then I will ask you also, where is illegal drugs there? - Shabu or Ecstacy.

Are you blind and still don't see? For wrongfully interpreting, that such vices are not written "word for word", then go ahead, smoke, drink and be a drug addict too.

Accordingly, where the wine is, there is disorderly gatherings (revellings) - for drunkards are just around the corner.

Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Bible Personalities

We are created differently but each one has its own rules to follow in a relationship, either you are a priest, bishop, unmarried, widows or virgins.

For Priests from the old law.

Leviticus 21:7 They shall not take a wife who is a harlot or a defiled woman, nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband; for the priest is holy to his God.

For Bishops of the new law.

1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Except for marital unfaithfulness & death, He is bound unto his wife, yet sekeeth not if loosed.

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

For unmarried, widow & virgins.

1 Corinthians 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.

1 Corinthians 7:8-9 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

For Gay & Lesbians.

Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Romans 1:26-27 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

If you know who you are? Live to it accordingly.

John 8:47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.

Infidelity Training

There are two reasons mentioned in the Bible where divorce is authorized.

One reason is the death of either of the husband or a wife.

1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.

The second reason is marital unfaithfulness.

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.”

Not all may accept this though many are divorced and many are still in a relationship where either the other partner or both are committing infidelity.

Jesus taught us to forgive those who sins against us.

Matthew 4:12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

He wants us to forgive those who sins against us not once or seven times but seventy times seven or 490 times.

Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

At the same time He warned us not to make ourselves at home among those who indulges in sexual sin or the sexually promiscuous.

1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.

Be that as it may, there must be true repentance from the offender, prior to forgiveness, that it won't happen again. The marital unfaithfulness must not be committed even once, but when committed the forgiveness must be given only once, otherwise, You are allowing him/her to take the infidelity training hoping that he will graduate soon, after repetitive offenses, to finally know the difference between right and wrong.

The question lies on how far can you tolerate your partner though one offense is permitted for a divorce in God's law.

Bible Technology

Technology is the making, modification, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems, and methods of organization, in order to solve a problem, improve a pre-existing solution to a problem, achieve a goal, handle an applied input/output relation or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, including machinery, modifications, arrangements and procedures. Technologies significantly affect human as well as other animal species' ability to control and adapt to their natural environments. The term can either be applied generally or to specific areas: examples include construction technology, medical technology, and information technology.

The human species' use of technology began with the conversion of natural resources into simple tools. The prehistorical discovery of the ability to control fire increased the available sources of food and the invention of the wheel helped humans in traveling in and controlling their environment. Recent technological developments, including the printing press, the telephone, and the Internet, have lessened physical barriers to communication and allowed humans to interact freely on a global scale. However, not all technology has been used for peaceful purposes; the development of weapons of ever-increasing destructive power has progressed throughout history, from clubs to nuclear weapons.

In modern era where technology and knowledge had increased, can we build a house without hearing a noise?

1 Kgs 6:7 And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

In the industry of clothing and shoes apparel, can we make the quality to last for forty (40) years?

Deut 29:5 And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.

Inventions makes life easier. It's a shortcut for convenience so that even in a relationship, the Scripture is teaching the humans to live a life of convenience.

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.

1 Cor 7:35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

Generally, as the saying goes, what we do is what we get and what we eat is what we are.

Exod 12:8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

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 savour: all the fat is the LORD'S.

Though not explained to them the reason for not eating the fat, to us we know that fat makes us obese, stout, heavy and overweight based on advanced medical technology.

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.

The Vine and the Branches

Grapes can be eaten raw or they can be used for making wine, jam, juice, jelly, grape seed extract, raisins, vinegar, and grape seed oil. Grapes are a non-climacteric type of fruit, generally occurring in clusters. 

The health benefits of grapes include its ability to treat constipation, indigestion, fatigue, kidney disorders, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and prevention of cataract.

Why this fruit bearing trees was used as an example of Christ to explain our relationship with him? The vine and the branches are inseparable for without the vine the branches will not bring much fruit. Christ is the vine and we are the branches thus we can do nothing without him.

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.

The one leading the Apostles is Christ. The disciples duty is to follow him wherever he will go while preaching the gospel.

Lk 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

The obvious thruth is that, they can do nothing without him so it is but correct to say that John the Baptist and his disciples can not be credited of performing the baptism alone without Jesus.

Jn 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

Jn 4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

Even in the manner of preaching, the disciples were assured by Christ to be given a mouth and wisdom that can not be rejected by the listener.

 Lk 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer. 

 Lk 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

The assurance of his presence in the preaching and in the baptism extend up to the end of the world.

Mt 28:19 Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Mt 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.

If Christ is with us always even up to the end of the world, he is therefore the one talking when the minister is preaching. If one can do nothing without Christ, no flesh can glory in his presence. Indeed Christ is the leader and head of the Church of God and we are the unprofitable followers and servants.

Double Minded

Marriage age is the age at which a person is allowed to marry. either as of right or subject to parental or other forms of consent. The age and other requirements vary between countries, but generally it is set at 18, although most jurisdictions allow marriage at slightly younger ages with parental and/or judicial approval, or in case of pregnancy.

It is in this stage that one must choose the right and responsible person to marry and live with for the rest of their life.

During courtship, never choose a man with more than one girlfriend for the simple reason that  he has an unstable mind.

Jas 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

A man is trustworthy if his yes is yes and his no is no. 

Jas 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

 For in a marriage relationship, anything in excess of one is the work of the devil.

Mt 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

Mt 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Mt 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Wherefore, the only reason for divorce, in any given instance, is marital unfaithfulness.

Mt 5:32 but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery.

This commandment is for every husband and wife with no exception.

A Waste Of Time

I wrote in my previous post on how do I justify my belief in God which is likened to the relationship of a husband & wife, not doing what the other hated.

Our life is full of temptations, that sometimes our measure of doing it is the answer to a question, Are you happy? Womanizing for example is satisfying the lust of the husband but unacceptable to the wife. Robbery augment the needs of the robbers but injustice to the people they robbed.

What do I mean? For we to know God is to know His commandments that we may walk in the path of righteousness.

Looking at the herd of people attending the wake of the late President Corazon Aquino, I remember this verse from Jesus regarding the burying of dead.

Luke 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Meaning, Anyone who is alive but has no faith is dead in the eyes of God.

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Dead Faith No. 1:

The Catholic Priests are urging the nation to pray for the soul of the President. Is this possible?

Ecclesiates 9:5-6 For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; Nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun.

Deuteronomy 24:16 “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin.

A conserted effort for a national prayer can not anymore reward the President for she will be judged according to his own sin works.

Dead Faith No. 2:

Kris Aquino, the daughter, is saying on national television that her father Ninoy Aquino might fetch her mother and together go up to heaven. Is this also possible?

John 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

With the verse above, even the Apostles who died with Jesus are not yet in heaven.

Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—

Hebrews 11:38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

Hebrews 11:39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise,

Hebrews 11:40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Not until the coming of Jesus where the dead will be raised. Who knows but God, President Corazon Aquino and Ninoy Aquino might be part of the first resurrection.

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Virginity Pledges

Virginity pledges (or abstinence pledges) are commitments made by teenagers and young adults to refrain from sexual intercourse until marriage. They are most common in the United States, especially among Catholic and Evangelical Christian denominations. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) survey reports said that by age 19, 80% of men and 75% of women have lost their virginity.

A student from New Zealand measured the value of her virginity when she had sold her virginity on the internet to pay for her university studies. For an offer of 32mila dollars (45 thousand Australian dlr), she go to bed with a stranger.

For pledges or covenant entered into by both parties, biblically speaking, no man can add or makes it void.

Gal 3:15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.

When confirmed, it becomes final and permanent. This will bring both the truthful with good conscience and the abusive offender into judgment.

Eccles 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

It is a must therefore, in any relationship like courtship, that everyone should have a good motive and not just satisfying the lust of the flesh or just make advances unto one another. Unlike a grasshopper or a butterfly hopping from one place to another.

Eccles 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

The intent alone, even without the actual sacrament of marriage, binds one another to honor the engagement. In fact in earlier times, Joseph accepted Mary as his wife even before they come together as husband and wife.

Mt 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Mt 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Mt 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Mt 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

I remember the commercial TV ad where it says: "A real man knows how to wait." Virginity pledges therefore are biblical and are of God.

But, where on earth comes the idea of wearing a very long gown during wedding ceremonies?

I saw this slogan in the internet "Shop the latest clothing from Peacocks including women's wedding gown, maternity dresses, jeans, tops and trousers. Lovingly created for you."

Are they some kind of a peacock fanatics?

Eccles 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

Let No One Be Left Behind

Two characters are escaping from something. One of them falls down, breaks a leg and says "Leave me, I Will Only Slow You Down". The other one says, " I won't leave without you!" and takes his wounded friend with him. Possibly even requiring, as soon as they reach some degree of safety, that the wounded character gets evacuated first.

In more hard-pressed situations, the character must stand over the fallen friend and fight off enemies, all the way up to the grim Last Stand. In case of close comrades, such as Blood Brothers,  or beloved commanders,  this may be done even if the fallen friend is dead and not just wounded, and the heat of battle may make it impossible to tell whether the fallen character had just been wounded or had died. And if the dead character has Royal Blood or Blue Blood,  this may have a grim necessity: they need to be able to prove that the character died to ensure that the succession goes smoothly in time of crisis. This trope is often used to generate drama in a situation that calls for a Heroic Sacrifice.

“Let no one be left behind” is a slogan adopted by many to stress the goal of its commitment that no one is left by the wayside as they pursue their dreams in life.

In a family situation for instance where the husband has to leave the wife and children to seek greener pasture in other land, the principle that "Let no one be left behind" should also apply as family relationship is at stake. 

Mt 5:32 but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery. 

Let poverty therefore be not the reason for the husband and wife separation except with consent and come together again for a certain period of time to satisfy the desire of the flesh.

1 Cor 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan may not tempt you for your incontinence.

This commandment is given because God knows that the flesh is weak and that the wife is a weaker vessel and can be easily tempted.

Mk 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. 

1 Pet 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

So the next time you think of escaping from poverty with a desire of providing comfortable living to your family, think of the consequence/s of going away.

1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 

Don't give Satan the chance to tempt and devour you. Save your marriage, bring with you your Wife and Children wherever you go and "Let No One Be Left Behind". 

1 Tim 5:8 But if any provideth not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 

Big Brother

Jesus Christ told us that not everyone is called a brother.

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

He being the first born son among us.

Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

For we are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus as many of us were baptized through Him. Giving us the authority to call our brethren "brother" as Peter called Paul.

2 Peter 3:15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,

The reason why we are commanded not to call anyone father for we are all brethren.

Matthew 23:8-9 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.

Though in a relationship, even in a brotherhood, there must be hierarchy - a symbol of authority.

Matthew 23:11-12 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Any reaction to whom most people called "most holy father" or "reverend father"?