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.

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. 

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.

Cheating Wife

Often times we read news about a man who killed himself after he caught his wife having an affair with another man or a man kills wife after suspecting infidelity then committed suicide.

This can happen between relationships with reference to the number of incident related to crimes of passion.

For whatever reason, murder, suicide or killing self may not be the case, for a woman was created because of a man.

1 Cor 11:8 For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man.

1 Cor 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

For in the beginning, a man was created in the image and likeness of God.

Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Anything can happen to us. The scripture says: In the world we shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; Christ have overcome the world.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Trust God always and believe that a prudent wife is coming your way.

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

The only reason for a divorce is marital unfaithfulness not for any other reasons. Other than infidelity it's 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.”

In this world, never mind loosing everything than to lose God, Christ and your own soul.

Mt 16:16 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?

Please don't get me wrong and think that a woman is not important to God. Women like us are also heirs to life everlasting.

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.

If she desires to go away, then she is not a Christian, let it be so.

1 Cor 7:15  But if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases; but God hath called us to peace.

 

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.

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;

Very Close

Matthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

For where two or three are gathered inside the Church together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:15-20 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

This is what the LORD Almighty says: I myself am going.

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.”

This is also what the LORD Almighty says: I will hear 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.

But you, when you pray, do pray in secret that our Father may see and reward us.

Matthew 6:5-7 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

With God in our midst, going with us, hearing us and seeing us, He's indeed very very close to us.

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

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.

God Knows Best

An estimated 7,000 languages are being spoken around the world but in the beginning the whole earth had one language and one speech.

Genesis 11:6-8 And the LORD said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city.

Thus the confusion is the result of not following God.

Genesis 9:1 So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.

The commandment is to fill the earth but instead, they build a tower for themselves to see so they won't be scattered over the whole earth.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.

The City built is called the tower of Babel. Imagine the other parts of the earth where there is no man. If Noah and his sons are commanded to be fruitful and multiply and so with the beast, cattle & everything that creeps. Generally, beasts or animals multiply past than humans so man will be outnumbered by then.

Now I know why there are 7,000 confusing languages. God knows best after all.

Bridge Over Troubled Water

There is no topic more interesting than reading or listening to what God is saying.

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

People can spend a lot of time or a night at pubs, casinos, outings, drinking with friends but they can't stand an hour of listening to the word of God. They find God's words not so interesting.

2 Timothy 3:1-4 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

While browsing the internet, people will search & stare at every good business opportunities flashing on their screen but will not read sound doctrines of Scriptures written is this blog. I say this because, this blog features God's words not mine. Well if you are reading this by now, then you are one of the exceptions like Mary the sister of Martha.

Luke 10:38-42 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Truly, we are troubled about many things because we are looking first of what this world can give. Remember the phrase seek ye first the kingdom of God?

James 1:25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

God's words therefore is like a bridge over troubled water.

Pure Religion

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

The helping of one another, the love, the caring & the compassion is a must for every brethren who is inside the Church of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

2 Corinthians 8:14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality.

Taking care of your own family is a prerequisite before one can take care of others outside the home or the Church of God.

1 Timothy 3:5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);

In this manner, Pure religion left no street children or menace of society for the government to take care of. Henceforth, One can perfectly rule a nation only when he is under the rule of God?

Into Temptations

The Scripture has this story to tell.

Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. He was seduced by his master's wife.

Genesis 39:7 And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

The master's wife is not pleased with Joseph for being righteous & trustworthy. She invented lies to get even with Joseph for rejecting her.

Genesis 39:20 Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison.

Joseph was hated for doing the right thing.

Matthew 10:22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Life is full of temptations. When one is given the chance to commit sin while nobody is looking and not fall into that temptation, he is a man who fear God.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

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"?

War Shock

This is the term called for a war Soldier coming home with a different attitude far from normal.

As an infantry Army Officer serving my country for a continuous tour of duty of six (6) years, I was a living witness that such condition was not the end result of having experienced a cruel war. For if this reason is to be taken into consideration, we can readily conclude that all Soldiers assigned in war zone has a war shock.

Opposite of bravery, war shock is the result of a failure by any soldier to overcome the fear of death.

The basic manifestation of fear is, when at the first burst of gun fire, the Soldier just hide and tremble not firing his gun. The most fatal one is when he goes out of his mind for he will stand up & open fire recklessly. You are lucky if you are not in front of him for at that stage he can no longer distinguished the enemy from an ally. A simple flash back of any previous encounter with the enemy can trigger his uncontrollable behavior.

In short, if you are a soldier with a war shock, you are the previous coward who can now shoot hastily at anybody with or without provocation.

To all the Soldiers in the battlefield, I am talking by experienced, I know it's hard out there.

Luke 12:5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!

The Proper Venue

This particular commandment may not gain majority approval even for the so-called devotees.

Matthew 5:42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

And when the borrower will not be able to pay, you are prohibited to go to any court of law.

1 Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?

You may ask, who are the saints? Unlike the Catholics where their saints must die first and be declared after, members of the Church of God are considered in the Bible as Saints.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

Besides, how can a saint judge things that pertain to this life when he is already dead?

1 Corinthians 6:3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?

The Church is the proper venue. One believer must not sue another believer—right in front of unbelievers.

1 Corinthians 6:4 If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge?

Let us therefore accept the injustice and leave it at that and let ourselves be cheated.

1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?

Whisper In The Corner

One important past event in the Bible is the suspension of members of the Church of God.

1 Corinthians 5:13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.

The worst and the most scary judgment is when two members were delivered by Saint Paul to Satan.

1 Timothy 1:20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Their activities are done not in the open but whispered in a corner which temporarily escapes attention but revealed in the end.

2 Timothy 2:17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,

The apostles told beforehand that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions in the Church, not having the Spirit.

Jude 1:16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.

And this is not just a thing of the past. The putting away of members who fight against the teachings and delivering them to Satan, are still on-going inside the Church of God.

It's a continuing process, started by a whisper in the corner.

The Poor Rich

Leviticus 23:22 ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field when you reap, nor shall you gather any gleaning from your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger: I am the LORD your God.’”

Reading this verse, I can't help but to thank God and praise Him.

A poor family like us, have experienced going to the field after peanut harvesters are gone. True enough, inside the soil are ground nuts remnants. We call this process in Ilokano vernacular "Tudtod" (picking of whatever remaining on the ground).

In a fish pond for example, when harvesters are gone, we took possession of the pond and inside those muddy areas we still catch some fish, big and small, enough viand for a day or two.

Well, that is life living far from the City. Here, the poor are entirely dependent on jobs and helps from the government. Even the goods coming from generous heart, local or international, intended for those affected by calamities are not exempted from some greedy people the victims thought to rescue.

Ezekiel 22:29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger.

Some Leaders are corrupt. Yes, they are greedy dogs which never have enough. They all look to their own way, every one for his own gain, from his own territory. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world?

Proverbs 22:16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.

The Wedding Ring

A wedding ring in marriage is one of the many inventions of man to evidence perhaps the bonding or union of man & woman. Wearing it on the left ring finger means that the man and woman is engaged to be married and if worn on the right ring finger it symbolizes that they are already married. The spouse wears it to indicate a marital commitment to fidelity although this not necessary because:

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.

Call it a symbol, ritual or caprice of a woman soon to be married, whatever the reasons may be, remember the very essence why that ring is worn on your finger.

Proverbs 7:1-3 My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you. Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So for the married and the engaged, the next time you look at your finger, think not of the giver, the price or the elegance of the ring, but to remember that it is the words of God that binds there.

The Inheritance

For the Family whom I loved so dearly.

God shall call anyone unto him, into the house of God built by Jesus Christ - the stone which was rejected by the disobedient, which has become the chief cornerstone.

Acts 2:39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.

It is the desire of my heart with a fervent prayer that all of you whom I dearly loved are with me in the house of god which is the Church of God purchased by the blood of Jesus that whosoever believe in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

1 Timothy 3:15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Like me, must even you also be under His grace for outside the Church God judges.

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

1 Corinthians 5:13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.

That is why, I do not want you to be outside the Church where evil mostly dwell, rubbing elbows with those evil persons who was removed in the Church.

Ephesians 1:18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

This is my ardent desire, a gift and inheritance that I can left as a legacy to all of you deprive me not before I die.

If God permit and you are called, I thank Him for the grace and mercy to you it has been given.

Lesson From God

The rain that flooded some areas of Metro Manila, Philippines brought about by typhoon Ondoy creates massive destruction of properties and death, with some still not accounted for.

This is the right time that we who are not victim of the situation may show any kind of support. An opportunity given by God to all of us, especially those who has the capacity to do so, to share what they have.

1 Timothy 6:17-18 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Bear in mind that giving is not that simple as one may think. It is a divine gesture measured according to the intent of the heart.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Give charity in secret for if given for the purpose of publicity is a curse from God instead of a blessing.

Matthew 6:3-4 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

The disaster being presented in different form, the charity and the helping of one another is something not new to us. Moving only when the iron is hot, when the whole world is looking, then draws back the helping hand afterward.

Ecclesiastes 3:14-15 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

It is a lesson from God that will happen again & again until we all learn and will know by heart that the Creator can modify His creation anytime, anywhere, anyhow.

Deuteronomy 32:39 See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

A lesson that we should not trust in ourselves, in our possession & in all that we have but in the living God, who created all things.