Thanks for creating this thread. Sometimes we don't understand why not so good things happen to us. Trials are so hard to take, but we have to keep our faith. Sometimes it easy for me to say but I know its so hard. We just have to talk to friends, read the Bible and have Bible studies with others. God bless you all.
Allow me to start.
Contentment. How can we define contentment ? Are you contented with your life? May kulang ba? How does your aspirations and intentions affect your christian walk?
And of course Psalm 91
(http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae178/bongkadi/16-psalm91_zps268fb41d.gif)
There's this translation into tagalog which imo is somewhat manipulated in order to cater to a soldier's sentiments; but few sights are more moving than a huddle of men in camouflage with all their battlefield gear, in the dark of the night or in the dim light of dawn, solemnly praying the psalm.
I agree with you. Sometimes it also helps to think of trails as a test of our faith. And sometimes, i tend to smile because whenever i pray, i thank God for the trials because it also reminds us to be dependent in Him alone. With our busy lives, madalas nakakalimutan natin Siya. but then again, trials are also a way of reminding us that there is always God whom we can forever lean on to.
Of course not. Yes, the Father feeds the birds, yet birds must still work for their food. You don't see food falling from heaven and falling into a lazy bird's mouth, do you? ;)
I was talking to a priest once and we were discussing why there were so many more trials that man goes through vs. happy moments. He tried to make me understand by making it simple, sabi niya, think of it this way, kung parating masaya baka lalo mo ma take for granted ang Diyos, kung mas madalang ang event na maganda mas naaalala mo. Kahit na siyam na bad event pa ang mangyari sunod sunod, all it takes is one happy moment out of ten events to lift your spirits again and before you know it, nakalimutan mo na yung masama and naapreciate mo lalo yung maganda.
My experience may not be as meaningful as some but whenever I go though something difficult, I remember my retreat in high school and how the priest taught me how to appreciate what God has given and has in store for us.
Eh di ba sabi nga God helps those who help themselves, and if I am not mistaken Sloth is a capital sin.
Ang alam ko, ther's no such thing as capital sin etc. In the eyes of God, same lang ang sloth, greed, gluttony etc. Walang weight.
... Pero may naalala ako ng certain sin na hindi unforgiveable. I forgot what that is...
Of course, the big problem here now is: What does "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" mean? ;)
million dollar question kumbaga. :)
I grew up Catholic, kaya familiar ako sa seven deady sins.
Sir Nelson, palagay ko hindi mo napanood ang movie na Se7en (1995; Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey), kaya hindi ka familiar sa sloth as one of the seven deadly sins.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514mxP5IrmL._AA160_.jpg)
It's a good movie about a police hunt for a serial killer. Don't watch the DVD or the 1st release BD (Alliance of Canada), the PQ is terrible. Dapat yung remastered version HD (Warner Bros. release), PQ is great and black levels are excellent (maraming dark scenes diyan).
Panalo ka talaga atty. may kasama pang review nung movie, pero maganda nga yan, very disturbing lang...
Easy lang ang sagot diyan sir. Promise ... ;)
I grew up Catholic, kaya familiar ako sa seven deady sins.
Am i to assume atty that you no longer practice roman catholicism?
By all means please enlighten the interested.
At any rate, I suppose can give a short answer, so here goes:
It means knowingly committing a serious sin.
I grew up Catholic, kaya familiar ako sa seven deady sins.
Sir Nelson, palagay ko hindi mo napanood ang movie na Se7en (1995; Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey), kaya hindi ka familiar sa sloth as one of the seven deadly sins.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514mxP5IrmL._AA160_.jpg)
It's a good movie about a police hunt for a serial killer. Don't watch the DVD or the 1st release BD (Alliance of Canada), the PQ is terrible. Dapat yung remastered version HD (Warner Bros. release), PQ is great and black levels are excellent (maraming dark scenes diyan).
Easy lang ang sagot diyan sir. Promise ... ;)
I've watched that na. :D Di ko lang na-gets yun capital sin. ;D
Hirap ang PJ ko sa dark scenes kasi luma na. :D
OT: upgrade na yan! Ano yung pj ni sir streetsmart? Sim2? Hehe.
Contentment. How can we define contentment ? Are you contented with your life? May kulang ba? How does your aspirations and intentions affect your christian walk?
Just signing in mga sir :)
My definition is guided by the following, My personal guide in my walk or being content are based on 3 books in the canons mostly:
1. Ecclessiastes - this is where I know that everything I do is meaningless and temporary. In short, I SUCK.
2. Gospel of John - this is where I know about and introduced to Jesus that gives meaning to my Life then siyempre aral na pabalik, papuntang old testament etc.
3. Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians - I think this book is somewhat enough in my walk. It teaches, I cannot do anything without Christ. Jesus died for me and the way I should conduct myself regarding others (Philippians 2) which I believe is connected with Ecclessiastes since Jesus Himself "nothing" although He is something etc.
That I believe is where contentment is, may literal nga atah sa Philippians about yan ^_^
Thanks for creating this thread. Sometimes we don't understand why not so good things happen to us. Trials are so hard to take, but we have to keep our faith. Sometimes it easy for me to say but I know its so hard. We just have to talk to friends, read the Bible and have Bible studies with others. God bless you all.
Trials from God are meant to bring out our best.
Long time no hear, sir JT.
On the same topic of trials, here's my contribution:
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
10 For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. (Ps. 66:10)
Long time no hear, sir JT.
Eh di ba sabi nga God helps those who help themselves, and if I am not mistaken Sloth is a capital sin.
Nope because the truth is, God helps the helpless.
i have a friend who just gave birth, unfortunately, the baby has strong indication na may down syndrome sya.
sa ganitong sitwasyon, i cant help but think/ask " ano intention ni God, trial lang for the parents pero yung bata ang kawawa? ano kasalanan nung bata if its a trial for the parents? :(
i have a friend who just gave birth, unfortunately, the baby has strong indication na may down syndrome sya.
sa ganitong sitwasyon, i cant help but think/ask " ano intention ni God, trial lang for the parents pero yung bata ang kawawa? ano kasalanan nung bata if its a trial for the parents? :(
Sickness and physical abnormalities are results of man's fall ... not from God. All creations has suffered from Adam's sin thats why it is truly a deadly sin.thanks sir for sharing this.
Let me share my testimony.
Thru our office internal transfer, I'm suppose to be relocating to Sydney last year. But my 4yr old daughter whom I declared with delayed speech was diagnosed by therapist with severe authism. Thus her visa was put on hold by AU immigration unless my office will give aud44k bond. So my move there did not push thru because it was not the company policy to provide as such. What has been agreed with my company then is to wdraw the visa application and once my daughter is ok, then we will renegotiate.
One of my main intention to go Sydney is to plant church work there as I was sent by our pastor. So have I questioned God why this has happened to me? Certainly. And the answer I got from Him ... “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”
Not only our move to Sydney was cancelled, I've already sold my house here so I have to rent (which is currently really expensive), my kids has to change school, and I also dont have a job because I already have a replacement from my former team since Im all set to go out of Singapore.
So how did I see God moved in our midst? I dont have a job for 3 months but Im recieving salary from my office. I come to office just to check if HR got something for me. Where can you find such arrangements, no job but with pay? I have more time for my family, for the ministry and lots of time to rest and play during those period.
And when our HR found a job for me, I got a job stictly 8hrs a day, monday to friday, no overtime requirement, no production issue or implementation work. I just review business requirements and functional specification documents which is like only 1/3 of my previous job responsibilities. And after 3 mos, I got promoted with salary increase of course. Our company promotion only given every January, I received mine in October last year.
But those are not the main thing God has done for me. March this year, my daughter has been cleared to enroll in a normal mainstream school. Without paying for specialist or seeking therapist help or even enrolling to a special school, my daughter can now speak and express herself clearly. In just a year's time, my daughter's progress was amazing. Truly, God's work is evident.
The delayed speech and severe authism has been healed thru prayers and faith in God thru his Words and promises of healing. Her teachers says she is even smarter and more advanced than her classmates.
Since my daughter has been healed from delayed speech and being completely healed from authism, Im now renegotiating with our Sydney office. They are not able to give me their last year's offer because I have been promoted so they have to give me a higher position and rate. I also now have offer from our Florida and New jersey office.
And most of all, we've become closer to God as we have experience His mighty moving in our life. The relationship becomes stronger and we truly believed now that God's promises are true because we have been a recipient of it.
Always remember what Romans 8:28 (NKJV) says "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Truly, praise God for He is good and worthy to be praised.
thanks sir for sharing this.
another follow up question ( sir hindi ako nanunubok ha, hindi ko kasi talaga maintindihan lang). in my friend's case- hindi naman mawawala ang down syndrome, so if my friend gets a good good job, a better paying salary, a nice house, a car, gets to migrate etc- dosnt take out the fact that her son has down syndrome.
another follow up question ( sir hindi ako nanunubok ha, hindi ko kasi talaga maintindihan lang). in my friend's case- hindi naman mawawala ang down syndrome, so if my friend gets a good good job, a better paying salary, a nice house, a car, gets to migrate etc- dosnt take out the fact that her son has down syndrome.
It means, di natin maiintindihan some things sa mundo ng detailed until God himself tells us why He allows certain things to happen etc.
i have a friend who just gave birth, unfortunately, the baby has strong indication na may down syndrome sya.
sa ganitong sitwasyon, i cant help but think/ask " ano intention ni God, trial lang for the parents pero yung bata ang kawawa? ano kasalanan nung bata if its a trial for the parents? :(
There are many forms of trials... isa sa paborito kong Bible character is Job. Job is righteous before God, never faltered... always doing good. And then trials came for him, all of a sudden, lahat na meron siya biglang nawala, even his wife came to the point that mock his God. Job replied:
Job 23:10 "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."
In that sense, baka nga mas mabuti pa ang isang down child sa atin, kasi katulad siya ng mga maliliit na batang tinutukoy ni Kristo --- "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (Lk. 18:16). Therefore, sa palagay ko, derecho sila sa langit, talong-talo tayo.
Anak nga ba ni David yun namatay ng bata? Pero after the death of his Son, David was not sad anymore because David knows his son is saved.
Sickness and physical abnormalities are results of man's fall ... not from God. All creations has suffered from Adam's sin thats why it is truly a deadly sin.
Let me share my testimony.
Thru our office internal transfer, I'm suppose to be relocating to Sydney last year. But my 4yr old daughter whom I declared with delayed speech was diagnosed by therapist with severe authism. Thus her visa was put on hold by AU immigration unless my office will give aud44k bond. So my move there did not push thru because it was not the company policy to provide as such. What has been agreed with my company then is to wdraw the visa application and once my daughter is ok, then we will renegotiate.
One of my main intention to go Sydney is to plant church work there as I was sent by our pastor. So have I questioned God why this has happened to me? Certainly. And the answer I got from Him ... “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”
Not only our move to Sydney was cancelled, I've already sold my house here so I have to rent (which is currently really expensive), my kids has to change school, and I also dont have a job because I already have a replacement from my former team since Im all set to go out of Singapore.
So how did I see God moved in our midst? I dont have a job for 3 months but Im recieving salary from my office. I come to office just to check if HR got something for me. Where can you find such arrangements, no job but with pay? I have more time for my family, for the ministry and lots of time to rest and play during those period.
And when our HR found a job for me, I got a job stictly 8hrs a day, monday to friday, no overtime requirement, no production issue or implementation work. I just review business requirements and functional specification documents which is like only 1/3 of my previous job responsibilities. And after 3 mos, I got promoted with salary increase of course. Our company promotion only given every January, I received mine in October last year.
But those are not the main thing God has done for me. March this year, my daughter has been cleared to enroll in a normal mainstream school. Without paying for specialist or seeking therapist help or even enrolling to a special school, my daughter can now speak and express herself clearly. In just a year's time, my daughter's progress was amazing. Truly, God's work is evident.
The delayed speech and severe authism has been healed thru prayers and faith in God thru his Words and promises of healing. Her teachers says she is even smarter and more advanced than her classmates.
Since my daughter has been healed from delayed speech and being completely healed from authism, Im now renegotiating with our Sydney office. They are not able to give me their last year's offer because I have been promoted so they have to give me a higher position and rate. I also now have offer from our Florida and New jersey office.
And most of all, we've become closer to God as we have experience His mighty moving in our life. The relationship becomes stronger and we truly believed now that God's promises are true because we have been a recipient of it.
Always remember what Romans 8:28 (NKJV) says "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Truly, praise God for He is good and worthy to be praised.
thanks sir for sharing this.
another follow up question ( sir hindi ako nanunubok ha, hindi ko kasi talaga maintindihan lang). in my friend's case- hindi naman mawawala ang down syndrome, so if my friend gets a good good job, a better paying salary, a nice house, a car, gets to migrate etc- dosnt take out the fact that her son has down syndrome.
IMHO this is just my personal take, I think same din with me having the same thing with JT(just imagine) but my Dad still had Diabetes and had to die (..and that's without me asking forgiveness to him before he died).
It was genetic, his father my grand dad died to of it and one of my uncles, kelangan na magmaintenance ng gamot.
I prayed alot too for God to at least give me another 3 years with him but he still died.
It means, di natin maiintindihan some things sa mundo ng detailed until God himself tells us why He allows certain things to happen etc.
i think hindi reliable ang bible natin kasi di ba edited to nung panahon ni constantine para maging favorable sa mga romano
i think hindi reliable ang bible natin kasi di ba edited to nung panahon ni constantine para maging favorable sa mga romano
Yun ata sir yun ginawang Latin yun Bible. Ang alam ko, the orig version is Hebrew-Aramaic.
Gusto ko nga mag short study ng hebrew para mas maintindihan ko like yun petro - petras difference, yun word na love in english, 3 words pala sa hebrew.
how about yung mga inalis na books from the bible pati na din yung dead sea scrolls
Meron bang inalis? ;)
Pero mahabang usapin yan sir.
Depende kasi sa point of view yon. For example: Kung Catholic ka, sasabihin mo yung KJV ay mali kasi kulang, at ang Catholic bible ay tama kasi kumpleto. Pero kung Protestant ka, sasabihin mo yung KJV ay tama kasi mga orig lang ang laman, at ang Catholic bible ay mali kasi dinagdagan ng mga pirated :).
Hanggang diyan na lang ang comment ko, baka humaba, e .... :-[
That's right.
Sa akin, OK lang ang debate sa "The Religion Thread" sa kabila. Pero on this "The Holy Bible In Our Christian Life" thread, siguro dapat ceasefire na sa mga debate.
Dapat lang may lugar where Christians can experience stress-free sharing, di ba? ;)
diyan nga din ako naguguluhan e ;D
philippinians 4:13 has very much been my guide and my verse for my sporting inspiration. i almost had phl 4:13 tattoed over my left chest just above the heart area, but decided that it would be better seen... so i always have it stitched on my jersey.
i came familiar with this verse when i saw evander holyfield beat tyson at his peak. while everybody was rooting for tyson, evander just needed the blessing of God... he came out winning in a very very convincing way.
right now i can see another athlete inspired by this, si jon "bones" jones of mma... and the would always aknowledge this verse after the fight and i was surprised when i saw that he has this tattooed over his chest. and now we know why he's dominating...
this is a great thread. thank you for this.. im learning a lot here. right now im in a semi backslide, but im picking up myself to be devoted back to Him pretty soon. i never forget to pray and talk to Him... ang naliligaw lang ng landas ko is the attending of service and ministries which im slowly trying to include in my filled schedule.
It's normal bro. Tutal, magkalapit naman tayo, maybe we can help each other in out growth as children of God. Let's meet one of these days. :)
Meron bang inalis? ;)
Meron sir, lalo na sa new testament. Examples are gospel of Thomas and book of Philip, marami pang iba di ko matandaan.
^ we must've paid on the same year doc!my dad got lucky also, 20 years worth if penalty in a blink of an eye was given as amnesty. Although my dad was not huge on titheing, he volunteered his services to the Church instead, he did pro bono work for the parochial school and served as a lay minister during sunday Mass.( catholic kasi kami ) i guess the lesson that i got from it is to always try and serve the lord without expecting any in return, service lang and always believe that through faith, God will provide. :-)
Thanks Master Nelson for creating this thread. I have been a Christian for a long time and have not been giving "tithes" during the service. This doesn't mean that I do not give. It is just not as the word implies as 1/10th of my earnings. Let me just share you my experience in this aspect.
10 years ago, my mom left for the States and I was left with the house. This was an easy thing for me as I was just starting my practice and starting a family. Within the year, numerous demand letters arrived in the house and then I just knew that the house was long overdue for repossession by the bank. This incident really tested my faith and I called up my mom about it. She know about it and didn't provide any solution to it but for me to pay all the debts that was annotated in the land title for me to keep the house. I tried borrowing money from my in laws first (thru my wife). They were just living on their pension so I guess that was a dumb thing to do. I tried also from relatives and friends who also denied my request for obvious reasons. I felt so down and hopeless and was already looking for a place to rent. My wife and I prayed about it and when we attended church, the message was about tithing. I remember clearly the verse that was talked about...
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.- Malachi 3:10
That verse struck me. On going home, my wife and I made a promise to God to give a tenth of our earnings to tithes. As we just made the promise, the next day, my practice started to kick off for some unexplainable reason. I had a lot of referrals and I knew it would provide me the money to pay the debts one by one. Everyday I prayed to God and on Sunday I give exactly 1/10th of my earnings. I realized that every Sunday, my tithes were increasing so that means, I am earning more but I stood on to my promise to the Lord. In short, slowly I was able to pay the debts. The title had been cleared of the annotations. The Lord has already answered our prayers and has provided us much. Since we still had extra money, we decided to have the house transferred to our name. At the Register of Deeds, it showed that the land title's real estate tax hasn't been paid for 20 years and since the house was built, it wasn't declared. In order for us to have the title transferred to our name, we need to pay the tax and penalties. We prayed to the Lord thanking Him for the blessings he had given us and said "Lord isa pang hirit..." :) As I was reading my Daily Bread, I encountered this verse...
"Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him."- 1 John 3:21-22
I realized then that when I pray, he answers back through His words. I was thinking...."Is this a YES?"
During the time that we were in the process of having the house assessed by the assessor for the tax and penalties, Paranaque offered tax amnesty. This means that we will only pay the back taxes without penalties. Praise God! I really felt that the Lord was working with us. After paying for everything, we were just so happy to see our names in the land title.
God really fulfills His promises as long as we are faithful to Him. Eversince, I have been helping in the ministries of the church and also in medical missions. I admit that there are times that I backslide as we are still human and sinners but with the Grace of God he always puts me back in tow.
Just sharing my experience. I know that tithing is such a sensitive topic in church and nobody is compelled to give their tithes to church. It is just faith in God and what he has done to my life that makes me want to give to Him and he hasn't failed me in His promise.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."- 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Great inspiring story doc. God bless
Thanks Raymund. Miracles do happen. ;)
There was this saying sa church. If we can try to list all of our prayer request and mark those that have been answered, magugulat daw tayo how God have always listened to our prayers.
Read the life and testimonies of George Mueller and you'll see a Man of Prayer experiencing amazing miracles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_M%C3%BCller
Sovereignty and faith are not mutually exclusive. When we look at the men and women of the Bible, and all that they walked through and saw God fulfill, we see that the two go hand in hand. Listening to the two extremes of Christians here on earth is what causes us to believe they are mutually exclusive.
True Biblical faith begins with accepting the Lordship of Christ. Just as it is that way with faith unto salvation, it is that way with faith unto fulfillment of all of God’s promises—universal or personal.
I will just post this here rather than the other thread.
...
How do you take control or manage anger? Is it related to our heart? What's your view of our heart?
;)
Anger management is all about choices. All things happen first in the mind before it becomes reality. That is how you control anger. You choose not to be angry, even if your heart is beating fast. But sometimes being angry gets things done.
So anger comes from both the mind and heart? I mean biblically, How can we manage anger...?
So anger comes from both the mind and heart? I mean biblically, How can we manage anger...?
So anger comes from both the mind and heart? I mean biblically, How can we manage anger...?
One pastor told me that anger is a normal human reaction. It's how you react to that anger that counts. Madalas nga, kung mapapansin natin, nag re-react agad tayo sa anger. Sometimes, tama ang reaction, sometimes mali. Ang masakit sa akin minsan, admittedly, maski tama ang reaction ko, yun interior motive ko ang mali. Example, being sarcastic.
I agree with your Pastor. :)
My main guide for it is, The in your anger do not sin thingie and taming the tongue sa Epistle of James.
And remember, we must "forgive so we'll also be forgiven", Jesus said it on some bible verse hehe
here is something naman about anger:
Luke 6:45
New International Version (NIV)
45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Evil is equals to Anger kagad? hmm that's new to me. :) but ok sir.
Hindi naman siguro sir. Baka nagkamali lang ang ng pagkaka-relate. ;D What i meant was, usually, anger, madalas roots from the heart. So by controlling our heart with our mind, makaka-lessen ito sa anger. And hopefully, be a better child of God.
Minsan nga, nagco-contemplate ako, hindi kaya ginagamit ng demonyo ang anger natin para magkamali tayo? ;D
Ah ok. :)
Regarding sa nakaBold, ayon sa movie na Constantine, Oo daw eh :) HEHE joke lang.
One pastor told me that anger is a normal human reaction. It's how you react to that anger that counts. Madalas nga, kung mapapansin natin, nag re-react agad tayo sa anger. Sometimes, tama ang reaction, sometimes mali. Ang masakit sa akin minsan, admittedly, maski tama ang reaction ko, yun interior motive ko ang mali. Example, being sarcastic.
Minsan nga, nagco-contemplate ako, hindi kaya ginagamit ng demonyo ang anger natin para magkamali tayo? ;D
How do you take control or manage anger? Is it related to our heart? What's your view of our heart?
;)
^ +1
My aunt and I watched Fireproof the other night. Very touchy pa din despite 3rd time ko na pinanuod.
I also bought some inspirational blu rays. If any of you guys wants to have an eb, fellowship and watch this here in my place, game ako.
Courageous is another Christian movie. Very inspirational!
kung religious kayo mga bro wag kayo magreklamo sa mga ganyan kasi sabi nga sa matthew .. blessed are the poor :P
Mt. 5:3 doesn't say, "Blessed are the poor," it says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit."
Siyempre, ang susunod na tanong ay --- ano ang kaibahan ng "poor" sa "poor in spirit"?
Mahabang diskusyon yan e ... ;)
poor in spirit means the non-believers ???
Beatitude!
Medjo di ko masagot yan difference na yan. Why? Because we should be rich in God's Spirit dba? The Holy Spirit. So paano nga ba naging blessed ang poor in spirit? Is it because God is looking/watching upon them so they may be children of God in the future?
To understand it, we should keep in mind that the New Testament was originally written not in English, but in Greek and Aramaic.
Eto ang Greek interlinear:
http://biblehub.com/interlinear/matthew/5-3.htm (http://biblehub.com/interlinear/matthew/5-3.htm)
In Mt. 5:3, the word "poor" is a translation of the original Greek "ptōchoi." It literally means, "to crouch or cower like a beggar." Figuratively, it means "one who is utterly destitute."
It refers to being beggarly, not just to someone who is poor but not a beggar.
In contrast, the poor widow in Luke 21:2 was poor, but was not a beggar. In that verse, the word "poor" was a translation from the original "penichran" --- one who is so poor that he can barely make ends meet, but is not a beggar. http://biblehub.com/interlinear/luke/21-2.htm (http://biblehub.com/interlinear/luke/21-2.htm)
Mt. 3:5 says that those who are beggarly in spirit are blessed. Like a literal beggar who is aware that he cannot survive without the generosity of alms-givers, the one who is beggarly in spirit recognizes that he cannot spiritually survive without God's grace. Therefore, blessed are they who crouch and cower, begging for God's grace, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Simply stated, being "poor in spirit" means being "humble in spirit," as opposed to having "pride in spirit."
Very good observations, sir whirlpool.
That is a comparison between the Matthew beatitudes and the Luke beatitudes.
Mt. 5:3 says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew was a Jew, and the intended audience is Jewish. His account is usually called the "Sermon on the Mount" because Jesus delivered the Matthew beatitudes after "He went up on a mountainside and sat down." Similar to Moses who climbed the mount.
Lk. 6:20 says, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." Luke was most probably a Gentile, and his intended audience was the non-Jewish. His account is usually called the "Sermon on the Plain" because Jesus delivered the Luke beatitudes after "He went down with them and stood on a level place."
Unlike Matthew (a former tax collector), who was one of the disciples, Luke (a doctor) was not one of the 12 apostles who actually witnessed the events he wrote about. That is why Luke explained in his address to Theophilus in Lk. 1: 1-4:
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
The translation "poor" in both verses came from the Greek "ptōchoi," showing that both versions refer to the same thing --- crouching and cowering as a beggar. Therefore, the main idea in both verses is about the spiritually humble, even if it is true that being materially poor has a strong connection to being spiritually humble.
The difference in the two renditions is in the emphasis. The Matthew version emphasized the spiritual aspect. But the Luke version gave emphasis to the connection between being materially poor and being spiritually humble.
However, Luke does not mean that being materially poor automatically leads to spiritual humility. Notice that Luke also used the word "ptōchoi" for "poor," not "penichran." Kasi may mahihirap na mga walanghiya pa rin --- mga professional squatter, addict, snatcher, holdupper, rapist din naman.
Kaya nga sabi sa Luke, "Blessed are YOU who are poor" --- hindi lahat ng poor --- yung mga kausap lang niya na spiritually humble na nagkataon na poor din. Kaya nga nandoon silang nagpapakahirap makinig sa sermon ni Jesus Christ, kasi spiritually humble nga sila. Hindi kasama doon yung mga poor na walanghiya.
So we're basically saying the same thing. Ang difference lang, I prefer to stick to the actual words stated in the bible.
Salamat po. Na inspire tuloy akong basahin ang buong thread na ito. Reading page 3 now.
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. ◄ Ecclesiastes 1:18 ►
i don't agree with this. it's because of ignorance and stupidity that we are in this hell hole.
That's right. That is why the same book of Ecclessiastes also says this about knowledge and wisdom:
11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. 12 Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. (Ecc. 7:11&12)
And Proverbs 24: 3&4 says:
3By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 4through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
The tricky part is knowing how those verses are correctly applied.
Napa fast reading ako ng buong Ecclesiastes ng di oras.
Maraming sinasabing meaningless sa buong Ecclesiastes. But my thoughts were, those (riches, knowledge, toils) are all meaningless if not used properly, that is for the furtherance of his kingdom. And yes, the tricky part is, how those verses are supposedly applied. Since this is a kinda "baliktaktakan, would you like to transfer this sa religion thread naman para hindi naman tayo OT dito? ;D
Pag si fr barrister magsermon sa church namin baka pumunta ako every week.
Bakit nga ba puro "meaningless" ang theme ng Ecclesiastes? You should really read the whole book talaga if you want to get the full context.
Bakit di natin siya invite for coffee? ;D
Ang dami siguro natin matutunan kay atty. barrister.
Ayun oh! Dayuhin natin sa Marikina?
.. he usual misinterpretations din nito is you cannot enter the kingdom of God when you are rich. But ang pagkaka-alam ko, we are merely stewards of these riches, wisdom and knowledge. It's up to us how to use it wisely for the glory of God.
So even if according to the rich man, maski na he followed all the commandments, kung he does not want to follow Jesus, (probably, acknowledgment that Jesus is the only way to salvation), he cannot gain eternal life.
Does this mean that the rich man is simply following the commandments not by heart, pero just for the sake na it is commanded. For the rich man, he probably thought na following the commandments would gain him eternal life.
Tanong, back topic on the road rage issues. I myself, is admittedly, the one with a short fuse, when it comes to road courtesy. It's okay to be angry "righteously", then what would the bible suggest we do with the "righteous" anger we feel when we are wronged in our daily lives, more specifically, on the road?
Do the saying when someone slaps you're left cheek, you offer the other side?
But then, that would go in contrary to a good principle I take to heart, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing".
Why most of us Christians pray to the saints and to Virgin Mary? Hence, the Bible said or Jesus said "I am the way, truth and the life. No comes to the Father except through Me". Please enlighten me kung tama ba ang pagkaunawa ko na dapat tayo ay direkta na nagdarasal sa Diyos. Pwede rin po ba na malaman ang chapter o sitas na ito. Thanks
may pagitan ba ang old and new testament?
bakit natigil ang pagsusulat ng bible? di po ba dapat tuloy-tuloy lang?
Why most of us Christians pray to the saints and to Virgin Mary? Hence, the Bible said or Jesus said "I am the way, truth and the life. No comes to the Father except through Me". Please enlighten me kung tama ba ang pagkaunawa ko na dapat tayo ay direkta na nagdarasal sa Diyos. Pwede rin po ba na malaman ang chapter o sitas na ito. Thanks
Please enlighten me kung tama ba ang pagkaunawa ko na dapat tayo ay direkta na nagdarasal sa Diyos. Pwede rin po ba na malaman ang chapter o sitas na ito. Thanks
Why most of us Christians pray to the saints and to Virgin Mary?
Hence, the Bible said or Jesus said "I am the way, truth and the life. No comes to the Father except through Me".
Yes, around 420 years ang pagitan.thanks.
Natigil ang pagsusulat kasi tapos na.
The bible is correct. Because it was Jesus who died for our sins so that we can all be saved from eternal damnation. As for those who pray to saints and virgin Mary, i use to pray to them before because i was taught that they were supposedly, intercessors to God. Now, i don't pray to saints or virgin Mary anymore. Even Mary needs salvation through Jesus. There is also the existence of saints. Their life should be looked up to. But it not an exclusive club limited to the appointment of a small group of people. Everyone (living person) can be a saint provided he has faith in God, surrendered his life and lived accordingly. hence when you read some books of the new testament written by Paul, he sometimes starts by addressing to the living saints in different regions. Our prayer should be exclusive to our God, the creator. Why? Check out Exodus 20:4-5i agree with you sir nelson. nakasulat yan sa sampung utos. pero bakit nasa utos na nga yun at nababasa nila pero bakit kaya di nila kayang sundin kung anu ang nasusulat??
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+20&version=NIV
4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Let's also wait for atty.'s insights. He can better quote the bible.
i agree with you sir nelson. nakasulat yan sa sampung utos. pero bakit nasa utos na nga yun at nababasa nila pero bakit kaya di nila kayang sundin kung anu ang nasusulat??
Iba naman sir ang intercession vs worship as atty Barrister and sir Louie have clarified.
i agree with you sir nelson. nakasulat yan sa sampung utos. pero bakit nasa utos na nga yun at nababasa nila pero bakit kaya di nila kayang sundin kung anu ang nasusulat??
Just to further clarify, pinaliwanag ko lang kung ano ang Catholic belief. Kaya nga sinasabi ko lagi sa umpisa, "They believe...," para malinaw na ang belief na yon ay kanila, hindi akin.
Mas maganda yung ganong approach para maiwasan ang debate sa thread na ito. Ok naman ang criticisms, pero sa ibang thread na lang siguro, para walang away-away dito.
May paliwanag din sila diyan:
Do Catholics Worship Statues?
http://www.catholic.com/tracts/do-catholics-worship-statues (http://www.catholic.com/tracts/do-catholics-worship-statues)
Very helpful if you want to know about the Catholic view. Pero huwag mo nang kontrahin dito sir, wala namang katapusan ang debate niyan, pagod lang ang ibibigay sa iyo... :D
Kaya nga ang sabi ko, mahirap talaga pag doctrinal na ang topic.
Definitely clear. And you are right. Doctrinal issues tend to bring up arguments and debates.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+20&version=NIV (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+20&version=NIV)
Sir B sana ma-enlighthen din ako about eating blood. Before I stopped eating dinuguaan as there is scripture that is strict about not eating it. Nakapaka holy daw ng blood kaya di siya kinakain ng myembro ng ibang religion. Pero meron ding scripture na wala naman talaga sa kinakain yan so balik ako sa pagkain nun. So should we enjoy the blood and puto combo or not?
correct ka po sir barrister. wala talagang katapusan ang debate kapag religion ang pinag-usapan ;D. sana yung mga ibang religion na bumabatikos sa paniniwala ng ibang religion eh igalang na lang nila kung anu ang paniniwala ng kapwa nila at huwag nang pintasan o pulaan para walang gulo. meron kasi ako mga napapanuod na binabatikos ang paniniwala ng ibang religion na nauuwi sa mainitang pagtatalo.
Just to further clarify, pinaliwanag ko lang kung ano ang Catholic belief. Kaya nga sinasabi ko lagi sa umpisa, "They believe...," para malinaw na ang belief na yon ay kanila, hindi akin.
Mas maganda yung ganong approach para maiwasan ang debate sa thread na ito. Ok naman ang criticisms, pero sa ibang thread na lang siguro, para walang away-away dito.
May paliwanag din sila diyan:
Do Catholics Worship Statues?
http://www.catholic.com/tracts/do-catholics-worship-statues (http://www.catholic.com/tracts/do-catholics-worship-statues)
Very helpful if you want to know about the Catholic view. Pero huwag mo nang kontrahin dito sir, wala namang katapusan ang debate niyan, pagod lang ang ibibigay sa iyo... :D
Kaya nga ang sabi ko, mahirap talaga pag doctrinal na ang topic.
Eto naman ang magandang topic sir, para hindi doktrina. Naalala ko kasi dahil sa Exodus link mo sir:
Ang tanong --- Bakit sa Exodus paparusahan ang anak dahil sa kasalanan ng kanyang magulang; samantalang sa Ezekiel, walang epekto sa anak ang kasalanan ng magulang?
"... he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation." (Exodus 34:7)
"The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them." (Ezek 18:20)
... Based on your understanding of the bible what is different from the Catholic God as to God of the Bible.
@barrister
The article below is intriguing. Based on your understanding of the bible what is different from the Catholic God as to God of the Bible.
Why would the Catholic impose their version. Thank you.
----------
Pope Francis: ‘I Believe in God, Not In A Catholic God
Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/979047/pope-francis-i-believe-in-god-not-in-a-catholic-god/#oBKXrHWa5OjDxkQY.99 (http://www.inquisitr.com/979047/pope-francis-i-believe-in-god-not-in-a-catholic-god/#oBKXrHWa5OjDxkQY.99)
That's not how I understood the article.
When the Pope said, "there is no Catholic God," it does not mean that he admits that the God of the bible is different from the God of the Catholics.
All the pope is saying is that he advocates moving away from "small-minded rules;" to be more open to the rest of the world by being less "Vatican-centric." Thus, the Pope said there is no such thing as a Catholic-only God; there is only a God for all.
Therefore, for Christians, there are only 3 dietary restrictions. Abstain from:
1. Food sacrificed to idols;
2. Meat of strangled animals; and
3. Blood.
Kaya hindi totoo na kahit ano puwedeng kainin ng Kristiyano.
So Halal foods are automatically prohibited?
19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. (Acts 15:19-20)
28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell. (Acts 15:28-29)
Therefore, for Christians, there are only 3 dietary restrictions. Abstain from:
1. Food sacrificed to idols;
2. Meat of strangled animals; and
3. Blood.
Kaya hindi totoo na kahit ano puwedeng kainin ng Kristiyano.
does this mean "You will do well if you avoid these things"... na if you dont obey this you are committing sin? or simply... "You will do well"...
We all know that forgiveness is essential for us for it is written that God forgives those who forgives others. We start from our conscious effort to forgive. But how do we know that we have already forgiven someone?
Is it forgetting the situation a sign?
How about the hurt that you may still experience whenever you remember the event?
Care to share your insights and experiences?
I'm just curious sir @barrister on your [interpretation] of reincarnation based on the Bible. Many thanks sir.
Hmm, chanced upon this thread just now. I noticed that sir @barrister bases his Bible interpretations on the works of Walter Wink (noted theologian/Bible scholar/proponent of Progressive Christianity). Perhaps many people here may find his views/interpretations persuasive, just google his articles.
There is no such thing as reincarnation in the bible.
It's true that I pick up opinions and interpretations from other writers. However, I've never heard of Walter Wink before.
Oh, I stand corrected sir. Since many other writers lift their interpretations from him, maybe in one way or another these were inadvertently picked up by you through them.
Yes, that may be true.
Be that as it may, in case of similarities, it does not automatically mean that a certain interpretation was in fact orginally formulated by Wink. It's entirely possible that Wink had also lifted the idea from someone else, or that an author might have formulated the interpretation independently of Wink or anyone else.
In the middle of the storm, remember this...
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Mark 4:39-40
I have been studying salvation for the past few weeks....
Christians will be saved once they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
And Salvation will NOT be gone even though they commit some sins whether intentional or
not intentional. Like 'Once Saved, Always Saved' belief.
For me kasi, nawawala ang salvation kapag gumawa ang isang Kristiano ng kasalanan.
Some say, we have been saved by Grace not by works.
In Revelation kasi, even though the names are already written in the Book of Life,
God can still blot them out. So it means, nawawala talaga ang salvation. Tama ba?
I have been studying salvation for the past few weeks....
Christians will be saved once they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
And Salvation will NOT be gone even though they commit some sins whether intentional or
not intentional. Like 'Once Saved, Always Saved' belief.
For me kasi, nawawala ang salvation kapag gumawa ang isang Kristiano ng kasalanan.
Some say, we have been saved by Grace not by works.
In Revelation kasi, even though the names are already written in the Book of Life,
God can still blot them out. So it means, nawawala talaga ang salvation. Tama ba?
Ang gusto ng threadstarter na sir Nelson ay iwasan ang away-away sa thread na ito. Kaya iniiwasan natin ang mga controversial issues.
Ang controversial issues ay yung mga covered ng denominational doctrines.
Ang tanong mo ay tungkol sa doctrine ng "Once Saved always Saved" or "OSAS." Controversial yan. So on this thread, all I can say is that OSAS is a Calvinist doctrine that was originated by John Calvin during the Protestant Reformation (16th Century).
We can't discuss it in detail here kasi giyera patani lang ang ibibigay niyan.
Ok lang kung sa ibang thread. For example:
http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,141525.msg1741433.html#msg1741433 (http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,141525.msg1741433.html#msg1741433)
http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,141525.msg1741507.html#msg1741507 (http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,141525.msg1741507.html#msg1741507)
http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,141525.msg1742794.html#msg1742794 (http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,141525.msg1742794.html#msg1742794)
"God will not give everything you want, but he will always give everything you need."
I have been studying salvation for the past few weeks....
Christians will be saved once they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
And Salvation will NOT be gone even though they commit some sins whether intentional or
not intentional. Like 'Once Saved, Always Saved' belief.
For me kasi, nawawala ang salvation kapag gumawa ang isang Kristiano ng kasalanan.
Some say, we have been saved by Grace not by works.
In Revelation kasi, even though the names are already written in the Book of Life,
God can still blot them out. So it means, nawawala talaga ang salvation. Tama ba?
I'm a Christian now. The things that drove me crazy growing up was how everyone works at fault-finding with different religions. The people I don't understand are atheists. I go surfing and snow boarding and I'm always around nature. I look at everything and think, 'Who couldn't believe there's a God? Is all this a mistake?' It just blows me away.
So how u loose salvation, by UNBELIEF & by RELIGIOSITY in which you will have the tendency again to try earn your salvation by good works.
Same as me, one of the reason I'm Christian is because of The Creation.
A muslim can also say "I am a Muslim because of the The Creation".
Please expound, got confused.
if you do not believe in salvation, no need to earn salvation.
Do u mind telling me your point first? I need to know where you are coming from so that I can answer properly.
...by UNBELIEF & by RELIGIOSITY in which you will have the tendency again to try earn your salvation by good works.
Thank you , Rex. That's what I was asking.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(John 3:3 KJV)
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
(John 3:5 KJV)
How can you confirm if you have been born of the Spirit?
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(John 3:3 KJV)
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
(John 3:5 KJV)
How can you confirm if you have been born of the Spirit?
Quick answer for me is if you analyze your life and see your Faith has produced good fruits(James 2) then you have been "born" again by receiving The Spirit.
Galatians 3:2 (NASB)
This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
if this will turn to some sort of argument... we may continue the discussion in "The Religion Thread" thread.... since this thread is dedication to application of Word of God in our daily life... please...
Sir did you mean-
You have been born of the Spirit if you produced good fruits because of your faith.
Can we conclude that mother Theresa have been born f the Spirit because of the good fruits through faith that she has done?
How can you confirm if you have been born of the Spirit?
Para malalim ang understanding, you should start with what the bible says, not with short explanations from others.
Kung gusto mo ng short explanation, ok na yung sinasabi ng previous posts, kasi tama naman sila.
But if you prefer a more in-depth meaning, I can guide you with bible verses if you want. The conclusion will be basically the same.
[car tyres screech to a halt outside. The Simpsons' silhouettes as the family make their way to the church door. Their conversation can also be heard]
Marge Simpson: I hate being late!
Homer Simpson: Well I hate going. Why can't I worship the Lord in my own way, by praying like hell on my death bed.
Right sir. A separate thread will do.
You're a funny guy... :D
Can anyone share a verse in the bible that deals on how to cope up with struggles in life, when everything seems to go wrong? I know that there's reason here somewhere.. Thanks in advance..
Can anyone share a verse in the bible that deals on how to cope up with struggles in life, when everything seems to go wrong? I know that there's reason here somewhere.. Thanks in advance..
anyone here put their favorite verse on their Email signature?
Romans 8:31
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?..
anyone here put their favorite verse on their Email signature?
Romans 8:31
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?..
Isaiah 41:13
"For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. --Philippians 1:21
I guess its different for every individual, me I actually get encouragement and confidence by my favorite verse...
Ecclesiastes 1:2
“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher,
“Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
for some reason. ;D
Guys, allow me to share something i've learned kaninang umaga. As believers of Christ, instead of asking "Bakit nangyari sa akin ito?", we can also ask "Lord, what lesson do you want me to learn from what is happening?".nice!
@ Atty. Bro. Barrister:
Magandang balitaktakan ito. Based on the book of Genesis, i have to agree with your example na God is not omnipresent and omniscience. However, naalala ko yun famous answer mo re forgiveness. God is forgiving but it is not absolute. God will only choose who to forgive if He deems it so. And there are examples in the Bible that God forgives, and God does not. Going back to omnipresent and omniscience, can we say na it is also not absolute, meaning God chooses not to be omnipresent or omniscience in certain cases, thereby giving way to man's free will?
Ang question na lang is, how can we become Jesus' flock of sheep.
On the issue of omnipresence, medyo nagulat ako at agree ka na God is not omnipresent, since as far as I know, the majority of Christian denominations believe that God is omnipresent.
Pahihirapan kita nang konti, sir ;) :
Kung hindi omnipresent ang Diyos, how would you reconcile that with these verses ---
7Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. (Ps. 139: 7 & 8 )
On the issue of whether God can be omnipresent and omniscient if He wants to, but merely chooses not to exercise those powers, the bible gives no answer.
God revealed Himself through His word. The things He does not reveal, we should not speculate. I believe God is not omnipresent or omniscient, then I stop there.
You become a part of the flock by your own choice. Follow Christ and you become part of the flock.
==========================================
26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (Jn. 10: 26 & 27)
The unbelieving Jews during Jesus' time did not believe He was the Messiah, so they did not listen to Him and did not follow Him. But there are those who did believe and did follow Him, and they were called His sheep.
Therefore, if you are His sheep, you hear His word and follow it. If you are not His sheep, you ignore His word.
What do you have to do? Follow His commandments. Very simple, right?
===================================
Keep that in mind and other related parts of Christ's teachings will easily click into place:
1. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (Jn. 14: 6) ---
He is the way, meaning follow His path. A way is a path or a route. What route should you follow? The route given by Christ. Follow His commandments and you follow his route.
He is the truth, meaning his route is the correct route, not the wrong way.
He is the life, meaning you follow His route and you gain eternal life.
2. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. (Jn. 10: 11-15) ---
Jesus is the good shepherd, meaning He cares for His sheep, not the like the owner's hired shepherd who runs away when the wolf comes. The good shepherd does not run away when the wolf comes; he protects His sheep even if it will mean His death.
That's a reference to Jesus' death so that the sheep will live. Meaning, He gave His life so that we can have eternal life.
3. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (Jn. 10: 26 & 27)---
Sino yung sheep Niya?
Very simple. The ones who hear His voice and follow Him.
How do you hear His voice? Read the bible and understand Christ's commandments.
How do you follow Him? Follow His commandments.
4. 7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. ...9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. (Jn. 10: 7; 9) ---
He is the gate (or "door" in the KJV), meaning you go through Him to enter the sheep's pen.
How do you go through Him? Same principle. Follow His commandments.
If you follow His commandments, you are like the sheep who hear the voice of the good shepherd and follow him. The sheep of the good shepherd follows only His voice, not the voice of the hired shepherd, or the thief, or the robber.
If you go though the gate (Christ), you become part of His flock of sheep. If you are part of the flock, the good shepherd protects you from the wolf and death. if you are protected from death, you get eternal life.
==================================
Makes sense? ;)
Now, punta tayo sa kanta ni Basil Valdez.
Yes it does makes sense. Salvation is eternal life and it can be achieved even if you're still alive. Pero alam ko na ang sunod mong question. How can we follow the commandments. Everyone falls short. :)
If I were to read the Psalms verses, it does clearly state that God is everywhere.
@Barrister: I think and i believe as of this moment you're still trying to be one of Jesuss' sheep, right - by following His commandment? are you following His commandment because you want to be one of His sheep or you follow His commandment because you are His sheep?
Jesus said "Come unto me" its a statement that what Jesus said is already completed doon sa cross... kung mapapansin natin ang "yoke" during Jesus time or during Bible times... designed ang yoke before for two cattle (ngayon kasi ang yoke para lang sa isang kalabaw)... noon ang usong yoke noon ay pang-dalawahang cattle ... something similiar sa baba
when you take Jesus yoke it is actually a partnership between you and God... because we really cant take our own yoke in short... we cant do any good by ourselves.... it is only by the power of God that we can carry the yoke...
when you take Jesus yoke it is actually a partnership between you and God... because we really cant take our own yoke in short... we cant do any good by ourselves.... it is only by the power of God that we can carry the yoke...
OK yan sir, I also want to read about different interpretations from different people.
Sa mga detalye lang naman tayo magkaiba.
At least, mas mabibigat ang discussions dito. I'm sure nakakita ka na ng mga tao, John 3:16 lang pala ang kabisado, pero feeling expert na sa bibliya... ;D At least dito, maraming serious students of the bible.
It reconciles naman for me. God gave Adam and Eve free will. In order for them to pass the test, they have to decide on their own whether to eat the apple or not.
By the way, don't say "apple." That's not biblical.
Basahin mo uli yung Genesis, walang nakalagay na "apple." ;)
John 3:3 (KJV)
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
a man be born again not again and again.
Question - Jesus disciples,we do not know them personally.
They have been born again, what's the proof that they have been born again?
John 3:3 (KJV)
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
a man be born again not again and again.
Question - Jesus disciples,we do not know them personally.
They have been born again, what's the proof that they have been born again?
Question: Whether just faith or faith + works, faith refers to belief in God/Jesus, right? What happens to people of other faiths (according to the bible)? No salvation?
God has given salvation to everyone sir.
John 3
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
God gave His only Son to the world to die so that we may have eternal life. Hindi lang muslims, buddhists but to the wolrd including you, me and atheists.
So only those who believe in Him? If you may be saved even if you don't believe in Him, what exactly does "faith" mean?
So only those who believe in Him? If you may be saved even if you don't believe in Him, what exactly does "faith" mean?
Okay, so does that mean people of other religions will not have salvation?
John 3:16 (KJV)
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
"world" - including all religions
Titus 2:11 (KJV)
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,"
"appeared to all men" - including all religions
But what about the highlighted part? What about those who don't believe in Him?
God gave His only Son to the world to die so that we may have eternal life. Hindi lang muslims, buddhists but to the wolrd including you, me and atheists.
What about believing in a non-Christian God? Does that count?
What about this part? So only if the atheist is no longer an atheist?
What about believing in a non-Christian God? Does that count?
What about this part? So only if the atheist is no longer an atheist?
Ganito yan sir. Salvation is God redeeming us from our sins because we are originally, His in the first place. It is a grace from God and is free. Para kang nanalo ng whatever prize sa tansan ng softdrinks. Though hindi mo pa na claim yun prize, it's yours already.
Can an atheist claim something from God he believes doesn't exist? Can you claim the prize in the tansan if you don't believe the company that made the promotion or raffle prize does not exist?
Or would an atheist want salvation?
True they would not. You mentioned atheists kasi as being part of salvation. Pero nakuha ko na yung point mo. That salvation is available to all of us. We just have to claim it.
How about Muslims and Jews and other religions? Will their worship of their God be equivalent to claiming salvation even if it's not the Christian God they worship?
Ah okay. No problem. I was just wondering if (through your understanding of the bible) Christians will be the only ones in heaven or if good people regardless of who they (or absence of) worship, will also get to experience heaven. I was kind of hoping barrister would also share his opinion (if any) on the subject.
Yes, thank you for taking the time to reply. :)
Ah okay. No problem. I was just wondering if (through your understanding of the bible) Christians will be the only ones in heaven or if good people regardless of who they (or absence of) worship, will also get to experience heaven. I was kind of hoping barrister would also share his opinion (if any) on the subject.
Ako naman magtatanong sir. ;D What made you ask those questions? What made you interested in salvation?
I'm curious lang about individual beliefs and about how a lot of religions seem to believe that they are the only way to God/heaven. Because if that's the case then either only one of them is right or they're all wrong. If it's true that there is only one specific God/religion/denomination that will bring you salvation, ang lungkot naman ng langit na yon because far more people will not get in than will--and it seems, even good people who only made the "mistake" of being born in the wrong religion will not be eligible.
Acts 11:26 "...And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."
The word "Christian" was first introduce in Antioch at ang surprise pa doon hindi mismo galing sa mga disciples o apostles ang salitang ito, even Jesus never called His disciples and followers a 'Christian'. throughout the Bible, kadalasang salita na mababasa natin ay brethren, saints, 'the called', disciples, apostles, believers, 'the faithful', 'the elect' others.
I'm curious lang about individual beliefs and about how a lot of religions seem to believe that they are the only way to God/heaven. Because if that's the case then either only one of them is right or they're all wrong. If it's true that there is only one specific God/religion/denomination that will bring you salvation, ang lungkot naman ng langit na yon because far more people will not get in than will--and it seems
even good people who only made the "mistake" of being born in the wrong religion will not be eligible.
I'm curious lang about individual beliefs and about how a lot of religions seem to believe that they are the only way to God/heaven. Because if that's the case then either only one of them is right or they're all wrong. If it's true that there is only one specific God/religion/denomination that will bring you salvation, ang lungkot naman ng langit na yon because far more people will not get in than will--and it seems, even good people who only made the "mistake" of being born in the wrong religion will not be eligible.
I'm curious lang about individual beliefs and about how a lot of religions seem to believe that they are the only way to God/heaven. Because if that's the case then either only one of them is right or they're all wrong.
If it's true that there is only one specific God/religion/denomination that will bring you salvation, ang lungkot naman ng langit na yon because far more people will not get in than will--
Okay, so short answer, according to the bible, if you don't believe/follow Christ, you will not get into heaven? How about people who were never exposed to Christ or the bible like some tribal people of today or people who lived before Christ?
itanong na lang natin kay brod eli :)
http://angdatingdaan.org/topics/kaligtasan/patas-ba-ang-dios-kung-may-mga-tao-na-hindi-nakarinig-ng-aral-tungkol-sa-kaligtasan/ (http://angdatingdaan.org/topics/kaligtasan/patas-ba-ang-dios-kung-may-mga-tao-na-hindi-nakarinig-ng-aral-tungkol-sa-kaligtasan/)
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. (Rom. 2:12-16)
Okay, thanks everyone for all your answers.