Enmity

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Jihad, an Islamic term, is a religious duty of Muslims.  In Arabic,  the word jihad translates as a noun meaning "struggle". Within the context of Islam it refers to struggle against those who do not believe in Islamic God (Allah). Jihad is commonly misunderstood as "Holy War", Jihad means "to struggle in the way of Allah". 

There are two commonly accepted meanings of jihad: an inner spiritual struggle and an outer physical struggle. The "greater jihad" is the inner struggle by a believer to fulfill his religious duties. This non-violent meaning is stressed by both Muslim and non-Muslim authors.

The "lesser jihad" is the physical struggle against the enemies of Islam. This physical struggle can take a violent form or a non-violent form. The proponents of the violent form translate jihad as "holy war", although some Islamic studies scholars disagree.

According to the BBC, a third meaning of jihad is the struggle to build a good society. In a commentary of the hadith Sahih Muslim,  entitled al-Minhaj, the medieval Islamic scholar Yahva ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi  stated that "one of the collective duties of the community as a whole (fard kifaya) is to lodge a valid protest, to solve problems of religion, to have knowledge of Divine Law, to command what is right and forbid wrong conduct" 

In Christianity, the struggle is between good and evil. Between the Serpent and the Woman and their seed.

Gen 3:14-16 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

In which way, either inner spiritual or outer physical, the struggle is non-violent. It is a struggle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness.

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.

Satan struggle for the body or the outward man as man struggle for the spiritual or the inward man.

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

To explain it further, We do not simply burn the house to drive away pests or destroy an unclean drinking glass for we either don't have a house to live in or a glass to drink from.

2 Tim 2:20-21 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

As Jesus Christ said:  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Mt 5:43-45 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if some struggle violently then some have already strayed after Satan.

Jn 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Saint Pedro Calungsod

Pedro Calungsod was a young Roman Catholic Filipino migrant, sacristan and missionary catechist, who along with Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, suffered religious persecution and martyrdom on Guam for their missionary work in 1672. Through Calungsod and San Vitores' missionary efforts, many native Chamorros converted to Roman Catholicism. Calungsod was beatified on 5 March 2000 by Blessed Pope John Paul II. On 18 February 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially announced that Calungsod will be canonised on 21 October 2012.

On 19 December 2011, the Holy See officially approved the miracle qualifying Calungsod for sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church. The recognised miracle dates from 2002, when a Leyte woman who was pronounced clinically dead by accredited physicians two hours after a heart attack was revived when a doctor prayed for Calungsod's intercession.

As a Filipino, I should be proud of having a saint like him but to kneel down and pray to a creature and pray for his intercession is an abomination unto God because the Scripture says:

Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

For Christ is a creator and the only mediator that can interceed between God and men.

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

To fell down and worship even to an angel who is also a creature is an abomination unto God for angels like men including prophets and apostles, are fellow servants of God.

Rev 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

Rev 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

Let us believe that until now,  no man has ascended into heaven except Christ.

Jn 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.

Dead is dead and they can not do anything under the sun not until the coming of Jesus Christ. 

1 Thess 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

1 Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1 Thes 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

For there is hope for all the living: 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, hath now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

To the followers of Saint Pedro Calungsod, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint John or to any creatures, If you want salvation, think before you kneel down and be among the followers of Christ prophesied; which had not worshipped idols and together lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Devil's Nest

There are places which are not allowed by God for all Christians to stay or hang around. 

All locations that patronises bad habits like drinking, gambling, smoking, womanizing and the likes are prohibited in order to have a clean heart with a meek and quiet spirit; having no reason to shame between God or men, which is in the sight of God of great price. 

As we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, we are indeed commanded to abstain from all appearance of evil. 

1 Thess 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Gal 5:19-21  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

The question now is this; Why are we commanded to shy away from those places? And the answer is very simple; the devil knows who are the men with the mark of God.

Acts 19:13  Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them who had evil spirits, the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Acts 19:15  And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

You see, the devil does not even know their peers having the same mark of the devil. Having them know you, frequenting therefore in the nest of the devil may render you outnumbered and may be tempted to commit sins.

Don't follow then the devil, follow Jesus Christ instead.

Jn 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Included in those prohibited places are the place of worship built by men where devils are grouped and nested together.

Mt 23:15 A curse is on you, scribes and Pharisees, false ones! for you go about land and sea to get one disciple and, having him, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

Except the Lord shall build the house, they labor in vain that build it. The house built by Jesus Christ, as commanded by God the father, is the Church of God.

Ps 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD shall build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD shall keep the city, the watchman waketh in vain. 

1 Cor 10:32 Give no offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Other than the Church of God, do I have to name names of churches where devils nested and grouped together? Surely, you will know them by their teachings.

1 Tim 6:3-5  If any man teacheth otherwise, and consenteth not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness,  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, from which cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing gain to be godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Move away from them, for they are teaching other gospel other than the one preacheth by the apostles and ministers of Jesus Christ.

Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach any other gospel to you than that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

Worsening Economy

Every nation is observing the progress of its economy especially when a recession or a depression occured. It is an event that happens again and again, a recurring problem, which has yet to be solved. Every day there is news of jobs lost and businesses closing. These lost jobs and closed businesses are not being replaced by new jobs and businesses. Unemployment is increasing.

Many years ago our situation was not like this. What has changed? Why are we heading steadily into a depression?

An economy is not based on money or finance, though most people believe it is. The ultimate basis of an economy is entirely physical. An economy is ultimately based on the production of physical wealth. Without first having adequate food and energy production, none of our other economic activities would even be possible.

Though good economy or good harvest for that matter; this is not a guarantee of peace and security, for in the abundance of everything, here comes the calamity reserved for the world and is destined to happen.

Mt 24:6 And ye will hear of wars, and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 

Mt 24:7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there will be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places. 

For whatever we do, the word of God will always prevail. The prophesy written in the Bible are not made to be broken.

Is 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

We have to expect the unexpected and the time of trouble is here to come.

2 Tim 3:1-7 This know also, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  Without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,   Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;   Having a form of godliness, but denying its power: from such turn away.   For of this sort are they who creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts;   Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

Though perilous times are already happening, the great tribulation was not yet experienced by the whole world.

Mt 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 

The great tribulation is more horrible than this event that happened in the beginning.

2 Kings 6:28 And the king said to her, What aileth thee? and she answered, This woman said to me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to-day, and we will eat my son to-morrow.

2 Kings 6:29 So we boiled my son, and ate him: and I said to her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son. 

The worsening economy is just the beginning that we must endure up to the time of the end.

Jn 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye will have tribulation, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.

Our only hope therefore is Christ whether we live or we die.

Rom 14:18 For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

The Perfect Man

The day of the lord is the final and eternal judgment by God to the living and the dead who are not included in the first resurrection.

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 the things which were written in the books, according to their works.

It will purportedly take place after the one thousand years reign of Jesus Christ who reigns together with the living first caught up in the air and the dead first resurrected on his second coming.

1 Thess 4:16  For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1 Thess 4:17  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Rev 20:5   But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

Rev 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.

In the last day, who will condemn and justify if a man is perfect or not.

Rom 8:33 Who will lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth:

Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, or rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Salvation is unto God with the intercession of Jesus Christ as the mediator between God and man but there are three (3) ingredients that a man of God should have that he may be made perfect:

2 Tim 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works.

Col 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

2 Cor 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

And a perfect man kept his word and can never be offended with the word of God.

Jas 3:2 For in many things we all offend. If any man offendeth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

1 Jn 2:5 But whoever keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: by this we know that we are in him.

Stone

The Bible speaks of stones being hurled at the offender by the whole congregation.

Lev 24:14 Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

Lev 24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.

The problem in stoning is that, when the offender is close to your heart, a relative, or a friend may be, anyone can become reluctant to execute the stoning order. It is a different scenario perhaps if the offender is your enemy.

But the commandment is very clear. It says, all of the congregation will stone that offender to death.

And in the last days, another stone was spoken of. A Stone that either gives life to the obedient or death to the offender.

Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at naught by you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone;

Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone, and rock of offense: and whoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

1 Pet 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them who stumble at the word, being disobedient: to which also they were appointed.

In either way, non compliance with the word spoken, by picking up a stone that can kill or believe that the stone can give life, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Jn 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Assurance

All of us know that Satan is the father of all lies and some people was already deceived and become already his sons & allies.

Jn 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do: he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

In our everyday lives, at work or in the office for example, you will encounter some of them. In fact they appear to be close always to your boss or managers or to the owner like Satan himself.

Job 1:6 Now there was a 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.

The very reason why they are present in every meetings or discussions is because they are there to prove something that they are right and accused every one to their advantage.

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.

The wicked triumph at the beginning but this is our consolation and assurance from Christ himself.

Jn 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, and is even now come, that ye shall be scattered every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

Jn 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye will have tribulation, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.

Truly, If God is with us, who can be against us.

Salvation

For some who claims that there is no need for a religion or to enter in any place of worship, is an error contemplated in their mind.

Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful to him, and bless his name.

Thus, entering other gate in another way is called by the Bible as a thief and a robber.

John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say to you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheep-fold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

Because there is really no way to enter the kingdom of God except through a door of salvation which is Jesus Christ.

John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man shall enter he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

To be saved therefore, one must enter by the door and be ruled for without Christ Jesus, salvation is far from them.

Isaiah 59:11 We all roar like bears, and mourn bitterly like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us.

There are people in the old times not governed by the rules of God. So that even they will hear his voice, because of hardened heart, they obeyed not.

Isaiah 63:19 We are thine: thou never didst bear rule over them; they were not called by thy name.

For every house is built by some man; but he that built all things is God.

Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house: whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence, and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

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".

The Victorious

We have no idea how God works. The reason why we tend to disregard things that pertains to God. We are busy on the things that pertains to us and the things that are around us and so we are likened to Satan.

Matthew 16:23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Who can not give all for a life? Spend and sell all resources just to be saved from a dreaded disease. And worst, denounce a faith in exchange for a dear life.

Job 2:4-5 So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

Knowing the things of God is forgetting the things of men to the extent of accepting death for a divine cause. And Jesus forewarned the Apostles beforehand.

John 15:18-19 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

How many Satan's are in the house or in a neighborhood that offended or will offend you most of the time? In fact they are everywhere. But as Jesus said to God the father:

John 17:15-16 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

And assured us that we are victorious like Him in spite of tribulation.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

OMG, thanks Jesus, I was healed and relieved.

Came From Nothing

Being Christian is to know how to live in moderation.

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

Disproving the belief of the many that being godly is gain.

1 Timothy 6:5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

Let us therefore examine ourselves if we are still in the faith and that Jesus is still in us.

2 Corinthians 13:5 5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

For if Christ is in us, we are hoping for what is still unseen by us.

Romans 8:24-25 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

If we wait for it with patience and composure then it is not wise to think that abundant or comfortable living is the result of being godly.

2 Corinthians 6:4-10 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Multitude Of Sins

The soul that sins is the soul that dies.

Ezekiel 18:20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

Let us therefore be wise in choosing whom to follow because following a blind leader does not exonerate the blind soul. Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?

Matthew 15:14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.

Do what is lawful and right, and must kept all God's statutes and observed them, that we may surely live.

Luke 9:25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

James 1:15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

But, Woe to the man that cause people to sin.

Matthew 18:6 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Blessed is he who brought back someone who wanders away from the truth.

James 5:20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

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"?

The Unforgiven Sins

The prayer of the faithful will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.

If the sins are committed before we come to the knowledge of the truth, the sins can be forgiven.

Hebrews 5:13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

For even adults are considered babes in faith if they have no knowledge in the word of righteousness.

Hebrews 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

For if anyone who come to the knowledge of the truth and again If we give up and turn our backs on all we've learned, all we've been given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ's sacrifice and are left on our own to face the Judgment

Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

Those are the sins leading to death - the unforgiven sins!

Apostles Gone

Apostles sent by God become a spectacle display to humans and angels alike, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die.

1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.

They left a book of legacy for generations to come sealed by David that can only be read by a blessed reader.

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Anybody can ask a question or a reason of their hope and he will read the answer straight from the book of the Lord - No reference in any other book whatsoever.

Isaiah 34:16 “ Search from the book of the LORD, and read: Not one of these shall fail; Not one shall lack her mate. For My mouth has commanded it, and His Spirit has gathered them.

1 Peter 3:15 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

The blessed reader is the only person who can explain everything to everyone and everywhere in the world the entire gospel of Christ.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

By the blessed reader, the Apostles can still preached even unto the uttermost part of the earth up to the end of the world for everything that they have seen and heard was translated and written for us. But, Who will be our Apostle and High Priest when all the Apostles are all dead and gone?

Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,

Hebrews 7:24-25 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

What we need is a reader, not Apostle or Priest for we have Christ Jesus that continues forever and can not be changed. If there is one claiming to be, then, he is a fake and a liar.

Lyrics:

Where have all the Apostles gone, long time passing?
Where have all the Apostles gone, long time ago?
Where have all the Apostles gone?
Fake Priests pick them, every one
When will they ever learn, when will they ever learn?

The Savior

The basic step to salvation is, whoever believes in Christ Jesus should not perish but have eternal life. But the only way to be sure we're in God, is to keep His commandments.

1 John 2:4-5 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. It will save us from His wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Jesus Christ therefore is the savior of those who are inside the Church.

Ephesians 5:23-24 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

But those who are outside the Church God judges. 1 Corinthians 5:13

1 Timothy 4:10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

If you then found something good, don't delay, don't hesitate, do it - for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave you are going.

Amazing Stone

It is disgusting to hear lips that speaks lies and a tongue that mutters wicked things, but to know a feet and fingers that speaks and teaches, this is amusing.

Proverbs 6:13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

How can they convey a message is something that the recipient must interpret. This is often done unnoticed except for the sign language where everybody could see.

Online chatting and cellphone text exchanging are good examples of a talking fingers, but this one is amazing - the shouting stones.

Luke 19:39-40 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

The stone can also stand as witness having heard every word of God.

Joshua 24:27 Joshua spoke to all the people: "This stone is a witness against us. It has heard every word that God has said to us. It is a standing witness against you lest you cheat on your God."

Behold, here's the stone, the corner stone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.

Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Acts 4:11-12 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Memory Loss

Memory loss is something that will happen possibly to us as we get older. The most popular of this kind is Amnesia or Alzheimer's disease.

Amnesia in simple terms is the loss of memory. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with AD, symptoms first appear after the age of 60.

The Scripture also mentioned that the loss of memory will happen after the heaven and the earth passed away.

Revelation 21:1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.

As the new heavens and a new earth are created, all the earlier troubles, chaos, and pain are things of the past, to be forgotten.

Isaiah 65:17 “ For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.

Like the newly born baby who know nothing, we also don't know anything even the eternal plan and the wonderful things prepared by God.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

God Is Hatred

This evil thought comes to mind while reading some of the verses in the Bible.

Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.

Likewise, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, suffered the vengeance of eternal fire including their children thereof.

What if God killed only the wicked parents, who will take care of those little children? Will Lot & his two daughters can take care all of them?

Luke 18:16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

At first, you may think poor are those little children but on the second thought they are the luckiest ever, never have to face judgment anymore. In the end I may conclude, God is Love. How I wish I died when I'm still a child.

Isaiah 55:9 “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

All Souls Day

It's All Souls Day again for the devotees and I just want to mention few things to remember.

First, the prayers and offerings for the dead has nothing to do with their salvation.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 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.

Second, the dead don't have a day and visiting them to show your love and compassion is something the dead will never know.

Ecclesiastes 9:6 Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; Nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun.

Third, the dead shall be judged according to the works done while still living.

Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

Knowing that we shall be judged for our own sin, we can do nothing for the salvation of the dead.

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.

What is All Souls Day then? Perhaps, a picnic, a gatherings or a family get together that can be done with or without the dead under.