To Love is "More than Words"

It has been more than three years since I last shared in front of everybody on our church's Wednesday service.  And this is my first time to share as a cell group leader (since during the past two years of leading my own cell group, as part of their training, I assigned my cell members to do the sharing whenever it's our cell group's turn to share.  Now that all the [regular] members have shared already, it's now my time to do it)...       

(RE: John 13:31-38)

One of my favorite songs is entitled “More than Words” which states that merely saying “I love you” is not at all an absolute confirmation of the authenticity of one’s love.  There is also the saying, “Love is a verb.”  It means that love is something that requires actions. 

In our passage, Jesus commands us to love each other.  And according to verse 34, the love that we show has to be the same kind of love that Jesus has shown us.  And Jesus’ kind of love is packed with substantial self-denying actions.  This is the kind of love that made him willingly humble himself to wash the feet of his disciples.  And this is the kind of love that made him willingly lay his life on the cross for us. 

Therefore – just like what the song “More than Words” stated – there is more to loving our brethren than just saying to them “I love you in the Lord” whenever we congregate.  We should show it through Christ-like action, also.  There should be willingness to serve, to be deferent, and to sacrifice with glad hearts.  We should be ready to give up our privilege, resources, or convenience to show the love of Jesus Christ.  And this love even extends to the point we should be ready to lay our lives for each other.  Just like Jesus.     

Now, carrying out this command to love each other in such a way that Jesus showed is incredibly difficult, if not virtually impossible – especially if the mandated recipient of our love is “unlovable.”  That’s why to carry out Christ-like deeds, we definitely need Christ-like motivations.  Where did Jesus draw his strength to love the unlovable?  The glory of God (verse 31 and 32)!   Jesus knew that the glory of God is supremely worth every sacrifice and every labor.  Jesus loves his Father and His glory, and Jesus loves glorifying His Father.    

In the same way, the only we can truly carry out Christ’s command to love – or any of His commands for that matter – is if we also supremely love and value Jesus Christ.  That He is a Superior Treasure that is worth giving up everything in this world.  And, thus, for Jesus’ sake, we will love others as He loved us – willing to deny any personal benefits, comforts, and advantages for others.  Jesus is infinitely worth it.  And through our loving actions, others can also see and experience this truth.        

So, basically, the key for us to be able to love our neighbors as ourselves is to first love God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength and with all our mind.  Before we can sincerely tell others, “I love you in the Lord”, we should be able to sincerely say, “I love you, Lord.”  Furthermore, we can also logically conclude that the extent of how we carry out the commandment of loving others is directly proportional to the state of our love-relationship with God.  Our love for God is reflected on how we demonstrate our love for others. 

But, personally, when I evaluate myself of the times I say “I love you, Lord” or “I love you in the Lord” – of how substantial or shallow my words really are – I feel like Peter who declared, “I will lay down my life for you” (verse 37) but when action was required of him succumbed to denying Jesus three times.  My hypocrisy distresses and appalls me. 

But I’m comforted of the fact that Jesus grants repentance and restoration.  Through the work of the Holy Spirit, Peter was transformed into a resolute, courageous apostle of Christ – used by God to considerably spread the Gospel after Jesus’ ascension.  And when the time came that it was required for Peter to lay down his life, he truly did, as legend tells us that Peter was crucified upside down (by his refusal to be crucified the same way as his Savior, since he felt unworthy to be so) for his faith.  There is truly redemption in Jesus Christ, and for that, I’m eternally thankful.       

As application, I ask forgiveness for my hypocrisy, idolatry, selfishness, and lack of love.  And I thank God for his promises of granting anything I ask that will ensure my joy in His glory.  Thus, I ask the Holy Spirit to truly renew my nature so that I can totally love and value God above everything else, and, as a result, I can also be able to have genuine, Christ-like love for others.       

Thank you and to God be the glory.

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Why Do We Need to Consider Nutrition and Eat Healthy Foods? (A Lecture for Nutrition Month)

I was tasked to deliver a short lecture last Monday (July 14) for our students to commemorate Nutrition Month.  This was how it roughly went…

Good morning.

I am here to deliver a short lecture on the significance of being concerned with eating nutritious foods.  Some of the details I will be sharing here are merely taken from your Health lessons.   Nonetheless, I hope that at the end of this short lecture, you will realize the relevance of eating healthy in your lives and be compelled to do your best to maintain a healthy diet.

   

Part 1 – The Body’s Need for Proper Nutrition

Let us start this with a simple question.     

It’s a misconception to think that one is “malnourished” when he or she is thin, and someone is “healthy” when he or she is fat.  Being “well-nourished” is NOT defined by how thin or fat you are, but whether you have the right amount – emphasis on “right amount” – of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional components that the body requires to function.  Both being too thin and too fat are usually indications of malnourishment – meaning the “right amount” of nutrition is not being met. 

How can we make sure that we are getting the right amount of nutrition from our food intakes?  That’s what the food pyramid is for…

Many nutritionists consider this as the most definite, most comprehensive way of determining the right amount of food intake to ensure that we get the appropriate amount of nutrition that the body needs.  It’s very easy to understand: those that are in the base are the kind of foods that you need to take the most, and as it grows closer to the tip, the less you have to eat such kind of foods.  I will not discuss the food pyramid in detail.  It’s just to introduce or remind you of what guide you can use for a healthy diet.

Part 2 – Some Consequences of Not Getting Proper Nutrition

Now, let us proceed to look at some of the most common diseases that arose whenever there is lack of nutrition in the body, and some of the foods you can eat to avoid them. 

Part 3 – There is a Reason Why They Are Called “Junk” Foods

When we eat healthy foods, the body gains access to and breaks down necessary nutritional components like vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and amino acids so it can repair bodily wear-and-tear and refurbish cells.  However, in junk foods, there is a deficiency of nutritional components in them or none at all.  Aside from that, the toxins in junk foods put strain on the body because it has to work extra hard to flush them out of itself. 

Eating too much junk food can also lead to serious conditions…

Part 4 – Some Tips for Eating Healthy

Here are some basic tips for you as you start adopting a healthy diet…  

 

Part 5 – The Theology of Eating Healthy

As Christians, the Scriptures have provided some implicit insights with regards to the need to eat healthy.   I found four.  Let us read...

      

As Christians, our bodies are the temple of God.  We have a responsibility to take care of it, to keep it healthy.  Moreover, we need to glorify God in all our actions – and the Scripture openly includes eating, since it was the chosen example.  Do you think we are glorifying God in our eating if we are deliberately and gratuitously consuming stuff that can give harm to “God’s temple”?  There are consequences if we are not faithful stewards of these bodies God has given us. 

Eating should not be an end itself.  We should be conscious that eating is designed by God to give “fuel” to our bodies so that we can do the tasks that He entrusted to us and carry on His will in our lives.  I am not saying that it isn’t right to derive pleasure from eating, but, again, it should not be the end purpose itself.  We don’t enjoy earthly delights just for the sake of enjoying earthly delights itself.  Every pleasure we choose to partake in should always lead us to the glory of God (that is for another topic).    So, as we enjoy eating fried chicken, we always need to remember to thank God with each bite for the pleasure it gives us (delicious foods and meals in general are God’s gifts) and remind ourselves that the enjoyment we are deriving from eating  fried chicken is nothing compared to the enjoyment found in God alone. 

Lastly, there is no actual forbiddance in eating junk food.  It is not sinful to eat chips or drink soft drinks.  But, again, whenever we allow ourselves to exercise our freedom – and that includes eating junk foods – we need to think well if it’s beneficial to us, if it will help our purpose of glorifying God.        

It is up to you to make a decision out of your personal conviction from the Holy Spirit.  But let these Scriptures be your “food for thought” on your choices regarding your diet.  A Christian will always need to consider the glory of God in everything that his life touches on.     

Part 6 – Conclusion

In closing, I guarantee you this: Eating healthy will greatly help you in your school work.  I want you to ponder on this.

Kim John, stand up and please read the slide…

Zion, please read the next slide…

Next, David Daniel, please stand up and read…

Lastly, students, let us all read together…

Amen.  You can forget everything what T. Bernel has said to you, but just remember this one thing: to glorify God in all things, even your food choices, fitness, health, everything.  Glorify God in all things.      

Thank you very much for listening.   

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The Superhero of Superheroes (A Sunday School Sermon)

Sunday, October 6, 2013, was the first time I ever delivered a Sunday School sermon for all children belonging in the intermediate department.   Below is my sermon’s rough draft.  Of course, it was not the actual words I used during actual delivery; I was mostly speaking in Tagalog (so that the children can understand it better).  Also, I didn’t use this as guide at all during my actual sermon (forgot to bring it), but the flow and content of the sermon has been parallel to this rough draft below.  Additional note: in the draft, I put the expected responses of the children on my questions (these are the italized words in parentheses).  And, essentially, during the actual, the expected responses have been spot on).    

Can you name who is this?

(Wolveriiiiiiiiine!)

Right.  That’s Wolverine.  How about this next one, can you name him?

 

(Huuuuulk!)

Right again!  That’s the Hulk.  Next…

(Captain America!)

Yes.  Captain America.  And the last one…

(Spider-Man!!!)

Correct! Spider-Man. 

Now, what is the common thing about Wolverine, Hulk, Captain America, and Spider-Man? 

(They are superheroes!)

Yes.  They are all superheroes.  They have superpowers, and they use them to save other people’s lives and fight evil.  Pretty cool of them, right?   

However, these superheroes – Wolverine, Hulk, Captain America, and Spider-Man – are fictional.  They do not exist in real life. 

Moreover, even IF they are real, they are only merely Men.  And though they have used their superpowers to save lives, those same superpowers can’t save them from the greatest danger that all of humanity faces: the curse of sin and death.  They will need a Superhero themselves to save them from this.

In real life, there is only one true Superhero.  Do you know who he is?

(JESUS!)

You are right, the ONLY real-life Superhero is Jesus!  And unlike Spider-Man and Captain America, Jesus actually exists in real life.  And best of all?  He can save us from sin and death!  Wow.  Hulk, incredibly super-strong as he may be, can’t do that.  Only Jesus can.   

 JESUS IS THE ONLY SAVIOR

According to 1 John 4:14: “…the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.”     

Superheroes have saved the world, but only in fiction.  Moreover, the extent of their “saving of the world” is so miniscule compared to the magnitude of Jesus’ “saving the world.” Jesus is the only one who has literally saved the world from Hell.

Jesus is the only Savior of the world. Salvation from death and sin can be found in no one else but in him alone (John 14:6).     

THE LORD PROTECTS ME ALWAYS

In fiction, superheroes use their superpowers to protect people and fight evil.  In real life, only the Lord has true superpowers and the only one that can protect us from evil.  Once you make Jesus your personal Superhero and Savior, he promises to protect you from the evils and dangers that surround you.   He promises to fight for you.  It is said in Exodus 14:14: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” 

Moreover, Romans 8:31b states, “If God is with us, who can be against us.”  Jesus is the only real-life Superhero.  He is more powerful than Superman.  He is bigger than all of the “supervillains” – fear, temptation, bullies, tests, etc. – you face in your life.  And if he’s your Superhero, then you have nothing to fear.      

THE LORD IS MY AVENGER

Who here knows of the superhero team, Avengers?  Who here have seen the movie? 

Now, do you know what is the meaning of “avenger”?   It means someone who takes vengeance or the one committing revenge.  Take note of this: the Lord said in Deuteronomy 32:35: “Vengeance is Mine.”  What does that mean?  It means only the Lord has the right to take vengeance on someone!  Remember that the Lord will fight for you.  Thus, He will surely be the one who will avenge you from those who have done evil to you. 

If we take vengeance on our own, instead of letting God, then it means we do not trust Him.  Not only that, but we insult Him.  It means we don’t think of him as a just and powerful Superhero, that he is incapable of giving us justice.  So if we truly trust Him as our Superhero, we will not be vengeful – doing revenge on our own – but will rather surrender to God the offense on us and let him be our Avenger. 

Jesus will surely be happy if we let him be our Avenger. 

So always remember:

1.) JESUS IS THE ONLY SAVIOR

2.) THE LORD PROTECTS ME ALWAYS

3.) THE LORD IS MY AVENGER

   

Let us be thankful for these truths.  And let us be thankful that Jesus is our Superhero!

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RE: Assessment FOR Learning

This is the first ever reaction paper I've written for my CCT classes.  I also get to read this in front of the class.

In “Assessment Through the Student’s Eyes”, Rick Stiggins stresses the better philosophy of using “Assessment for Learning.”  He states the value of utilizing the assessment process in encouraging students to go for “winning streaks” instead of merely using it for categorizing them into “winners” or “losers.”  The old-fashioned assessment philosophy is satisfied already with just ranking and labeling students according to their achievements, thus, causing the unfortunate and unhealthy typecasting of students into “winners or losers” or “smart, average, and dumb.” But thanks to the evolution of the missions of schools, there has been a reform on the outlook of assessment.  Now, schools are more concerned with assisting all of the students (not only those that have been typecast as “smart” or “winners”) to succeed in learning; there is less emphasis on the sorting of students.  Therefore, assessment for learning aims to completely eliminate “losing” among students, to treat “losses” as mere setbacks that can be bounced out from, make “winners” out of all students, and set them on a track of “winning streaks.”

            The emotional dynamics of the “winners” and “losers” of assessments are extreme polar opposites.  The respective emotions and impressions arising from “winning” and “losing” in assessments are impactful enough to propel “winners” to continue “winning” and “losers” to continue “losing.”  That’s why there is a need for all students to feel the positive and constructive emotional dynamics provided by “winning.”  For that to happen, this is where assessment for learning comes in.

            There is enough evidence to conclude that assessment for learning is a legitimate success in generating optimum results in student learning (Black & William,1998).  The initial step of assessment of learning is for the teacher to set concrete standards for achievement that would be explicitly clear to students.  Hence, the students would know what to aim for.  Then, assessments would serve as constructive and friendly feedbacks which the students can use to evaluate themselves on what is their current statuses are as far as achieving the established standards is concerned; if there is a need for improvement, they would know what aspects they need to improve on.  Thus, there is a need for the teacher to make these feedbacks as clear and specific as possible, so that the students can properly analyze and adjust their performances.  Through this process, the students would undergo improvement, and they would sense this experience of improvement as authentic and somewhat tangible.  They would feel that success is realistically achievable if they continue to work for it.  Hence, they would feel motivated.  They will have a “winning” attitude.

            I’ve found myself continually nodding my head, agreeing to every point Mr. Stiggins raised, while reading his writing.  Mr. Stiggins has done a brilliant job in presenting a compelling thesis.  Now I am not sure if the ideas he presented in the article are originally his own, but regardless of that matter, he was able to deliver these ideas in a logical and organized manner that he succeeded in making the reading experience quite insightful and enlightening.

In a way, reading Mr. Stiggins’ article summarized for me the most important ideas that I have learned during the first meetings of our “Assessment of Learning” course; it served as an exclamation point for the dramatic shift of my presuppositions about learning assessment.  Throughout my whole academic life, I’ve always been given the idea that tests and grades are the end products.  That’s why it blew my mind when this whole “Assessment for Learning” concept was introduced to me.  I found it making a lot of sense.  Now, I’m totally sold on it.  I will advocate it and enforce it when I finally become a (licensed) teacher.

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Lecture: The Premise and Philosophy of Worship

I originally meant for the ideas here to be part of a future post for my ongoing “Analysis of Christianity” series.  However, I was asked to give a lecture on worship for our church’s music ministry seminar, so I had to write my analysis on worship sooner than intended.  Below is the final draft for my lecture.  I did not deliver it in verbatim during the actual lecture, of course, because I had to deliver it in “Taglish” for clarity and impact purposes – nonetheless, all thought remained the same.   

Good morning. 

Before we go on with the clinics on different worship instruments, I will be delivering first a short lecture about the premise and philosophy of worship. 

PART 1 – WHAT IS WORSHIP?

Let us define “worship”: 

A slide during lecture

That is, however, a broad and cold definition (as expected of a dictionary).  Let me analyze “worship” as how it’s significant to our spirituality. 

Worship is not only about music and singing, but every component – from start to finish – of corporate worship.  Some people mistakenly define and associate worship with just the part of the church service where the congregation sings hymns or praise and worship songs.  We should not limit worship to merely singing.  The sermon, offering, prayer, etc. – any activity during the service – is part of the worship.  In fact, if we need to determine what is the “most important” segment of corporate worship, it’s not the singing and music, but the sermon or the delivery of God’s Word.  The “praise and worship” segment is merely the “front act” for the sermon segment which is the “main event.”  The “praise and worship” segment is merely the “appetizer” and the Word is the “main course.” 

Worship is a lifestyle. When we do things for the primary purpose of pleasing God, even if it’s “secular” work like being a banker or carpenter, or studying hard as a student; or eating and drinking; or a small chore or task like sweeping the floor; then that is worship. When we are obeying God’s commands and are seeking God’s will, then that is worship. Whenever we glorify God with our lives, that is worship.

To worship God is the foremost purpose of Creation.  Thus, when Creation fails to fulfill its purpose, then that is an act of rebellion against the Creator.  Let us consider the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:

Q: What is the chief end of man?

A: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

It is our chief end to “give glory to God.”  But not only that, but we should also “enjoy” God forever!   To “glorify God” and to “enjoy God” always go together – it’s the same thing!  Take note that it’s “chief end”, and not “chief ends.”  You can’t have one without the other.  Thus, enjoying God always goes hand-in-hand with worship.  Whenever delight is absent, it ceases to be worship.  Our worship is only acceptable to God if it is a sincere and automatic response due to that fact that our delight is derived in Him.  When we “worship” out of mere sense of duty, it won’t honor God at all.    

Consider also that if we don’t enjoy God and worshipping him, then what would our eternity in Heaven be when our activity in Heaven is worshipping God for all eternity?  Think about it: even if – hypothetically speaking – both worshippers and non-worshippers will go to Heaven, only the true worshippers will really think of Heaven as Heaven because they are with the One that gives them excitement and joy and they won’t ever tire in worshipping Him.  The non-worshippers will actually have “Hell” even if they are in Heaven because they will be required to do something that they take no delight in (i.e. worshipping) for all eternity; they will have eternal boredom rather than eternal thrill.      

       

Only Christians can truly worship God.  Why is this so?  Two reasons:

a.) The glory of God has been revealed to them.  Thus, they see that He is a God that is more than worthy of their worship.      

b.)  They love God, and they draw their delight and thrill in him.        

Since only Christians have been equipped (by God’s grace) to worship God, then they are the only ones that can accomplish “the chief end of man”, as what was established by the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Worship is spontaneous.  Just as someone who has been impressed and moved by a singer’s performance will automatically applaud the singer, so will someone who sees God’s overwhelming attractiveness and splendor will automatically worship Him.    

We worship God because we love him.  The emotions of thrill and joy are always present when we love.  When we love, those feelings of thrill and joy that are contained in our hearts would surely explode, pushing us to express our love by doing things that would please the object of our love.  Thus, if we really love God, the by-products of love – thrill and joy – will compel us to worship Him.  I said a while ago that worship is spontaneous.  And the love that we have for God is a major catalyst in the spontaneity of our worship.      

PART 2 – THE LOGIC TRAIN OF WORSHIP 

Based on the analysis of worship we had in Part 1, we can derive this train of logic:

A slide during lecture

The more we know God, the deeper we fall in love with Him.  The more we love God, the more delight and thrill we feel for God.  The more intense our feeling of excitement and joy are, the more impulsive our acts of worship are and the more sincerely glad we are when we are doing them.    

Moreover, through these acts of worship, God will continue to reveal himself to us.  

PART 3 – THE PHILOSOPHY OF WORSHIP LEADING

Being part of the music ministry is a great honor.  Be proud and humbled when you become/are part of the music ministry.  As part of the music ministry, I find that it’s through music and songs in which worship to God can be effortlessly articulated.  Expressing adoration, thanksgiving, and praise are easily done through the lyrics and the mood and spirit are easily moved into a worshipful state by the music.  Music and lyrics are great tools in easy establishment of a direct connection with God and feeling his presence.  Therefore, as part of the music ministry that leads the congregation in this special experience, I consider it a great privilege to be in the frontlines.     

Every member of the music ministry – both singers and instrumentalists – is a worship leader.  And as worship leaders, it is imperative for music ministry members to maintain a lifestyle of a worshipper – to not only be an effective worshipper in the music ministry, but also in other acts of worship as well, especially in living a holy life.  Worship leaders should not only be leading the congregation in singing to God, but should also lead the congregation in the worship of God through the obedience of His Words.  Worship leaders have the responsibility to be the “role models” of the church.       

Practice well.  Making mistakes when playing instruments or singing is okay since we are human after all.   What is important is our heart.  However, this should not be used as an excuse for making mistakes. Any mistake made that could have been avoided if you had practiced well is dishonoring God.  Mistake happens but any mistake should have not been due to laziness in practicing.  If we gave it our best and had practiced hard, but still made a mistake, then that’s okay (but we should do our best to avoid making the same mistake the next time).  Nonetheless, we should always keep in mind the necessity to pursue excellence since we will be performing for the King of Kings, who is deserving of the best quality of music and worship possible!    

Repent our sins before leading the worship.  This is self-explanatory.  In fact, every Christian should do this before attending or joining the corporate worship.  Truly, when we are full of sin, God won’t accept our worship.  If we attempt to worship without repentance, that is hypocrisy in our part.  So asking forgiveness for our sins is an imperative SOP (standard operating procedure) before the start of worship.

We are not rock stars.  Music ministry members should remain humble; we should instead be thankful for the talent and privilege that God has given us.  We are not performing in a concert, we are leading the congregation in worshipping God.  We are not the stars; the glory is not for us.  The best worship leaders are those that can effectively direct all available glory towards God.  John 3:30 – “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” – should be our mantra and slogan.  

This quote from the main character of the anime Kuroko No Basuke also perfectly articulated the proper philosophy of a worship leader:

A slide during lecture

God is our Light, and we worship leaders are His shadow.  Just as Tetsuya directs attention away from himself to make his teammates better, so we must make ourselves less and less that God would become greater and greater.  As the shadow, let us be “darker” that “the white of the Light will stand out.”  Once again, let me repeat this for emphasis: The best worship leaders are those that can effectively direct all available glory towards God.

We are all called to be worshippers, but not all of us are called to be worship leaders.  Both heart and talent are needed to become worship leaders.  Heart is, of course, more important than talent.  And I totally believe that when you are really called for the music ministry, God will grant you the heart.  And when you have the heart, the talent is guaranteed to follow.     

I find it annoying when people claim that the “heart” is enough, that the talent is unnecessary.  I don’t believe that.  If one truly has the heart, then he will also have the talent.   HOWEVER – take note! – it doesn’t mean that when one has the talent, then that is an immediate evidence of that he has the heart.  All that have the heart will ALWAYS have the talent, but not all that have the talent have the heart. 

I have this experience in one youth summer camp when I was still a teenager.  The worship leader – a woman – in one particular service was so hilariously out of tune that one can’t help but guffaw, even if you try to stop yourself.  Noticing that most of the campers – especially the boys – were laughing, giggling, and chuckling, she justified herself after one song that “what’s important is her ‘heart to worship lead’ and her inability to sing in tune is a non-factor.” 

I beg to differ with her opinion.  Yes, as long as you have a sincere worshipful heart, even if you are unable to sing in tune, your song will be acceptable to God.  But that is far as being a worshipper in the congregation is concerned.  That is even applicable if you are doing a special song number for the Lord.  But not when you’re a worship leader.  In the case with being a worship leader – capability in singing is required.  If you can’t sing, then don’t worship lead by singing.  When you worship lead, you should have the ability to effectively draw the congregation into a worshipful state and lead them into glorifying God.  You would need talent.  “Heart” is not enough.  If you are distracting the congregation instead of leading them into worship because you are singing out of tune, you are failing as a worship leader and you are not at all glorifying God with your “heart”.  In fact, this could reflect that you really don’t have a sincere heart of worship, and that “heart” you are claiming to have is merely your own selfish desire to sing or perform in front of the congregation. 

Thus, it is very important to evaluate ourselves if we are truly called to be worship leaders.  Let us determine if the “heart” we have are truly His calling or merely our own will to glorify ourselves.  Pray and fast for it.  We should seek His will.  Let us not insist ourselves to go into a ministry that God didn’t call us to be. If God truly called us, he will equip us.  Besides, since we are all called to be worshippers, it might be that though we can’t be worship leaders or part of the music ministry, we can be more blessed worshippers in some other ministry – a ministry that God has ordained for us.   

            

I can still remember how I learned to play the guitar.  I prayed that if God will give me the talent, I will dedicate it primarily for ministry.   And God answered my prayer; sometime later, I learned the guitar.  And through that answered prayer, I understood that I’m truly called to glorify God through the music ministry.   

My prayer is that today, you won’t only improve in skills but that you would also come into recognition of what is God’s will for you as a worshipper.  Thank you and all glory be to God. 

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Instruction and Sanctification

Time flies fast... The last one, it seems to me, was just very recent... And now it's our cell group's turn again? Anyway, here's another sharing I prepared for our Wednesday night service... 

(RE: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28)

Good evening.

Our text for today is the last part of 1 Thessalonians where Paul, to sum up, leaves last words of instruction and a benediction.  In this passage, there are three types of “What to do?” applications that Paul wanted us to do. 

First, according to verses 12 to 13, is to honor our spiritual mentors – pastors, ministers, cell group leaders, elders, etc. – who bother to pray and nurture us for our spiritual well-being.   In verse 12 also states that admonishing us when we do wrong is part of these spiritual mentors’ job description.  So we should not take it against them when they rebuke us of our wrong-doing because they only do this to take care of our spiritual health. Rather than harboring ill feelings in our hearts against them, we should “hold them in highest regard.  We should be eternally thankful for these God-sent spiritual mentors who effort to take care of our spiritual well-being and bless them always.          

Second, according to verses 14 to 15, is to create a loving and healthy relationship environment with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We should give warnings to each other when we became lazy and disruptive which can affect negatively our work and health as a church.  We should lift the spirits or cheer up those who are weak, discouraged or brokenhearted.  We should defend and take care of the weak among us.  We should be patient with each other, especially those who are our spiritual baby brothers or sisters in Christ.  We should do everything in our power to see to it that no harm shall fall on each other but rather only bring the best for him or her.  In summary, we should encourage and protect each other with dedication, passion, and enthusiasm.  According to pop culture, in Mafia famiglias, they have strong sense of loyalty and “you mess with him, you mess with me” mentality for each other, and as Christians, we should have a stronger bond than Mafia famiglias or any form of brotherhood in this world, because we are made one in Christ!

Third, according to verses 16 to 22, is how to live out our own lives.  We should always rejoice, pray continually, and be thankful in all circumstances.  We should aim to maintain our bodies a favorable place for the Holy Spirit to dwell in.  Hold on to what is good and throw away those who are evil.  This is the life we should live as individuals.    

These might seem very hard instructions to carry out.  Indeed, they are hard.  Alone, we can’t do them at all.  But I am very much encouraged by verse 18b: “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  God’s will will always happen.  Therefore, if it’s God’s will for us to do these things, then we can certainly do them!  By God’s help we can carry out these instructions for us!

Indeed, alongside these instructions is Paul’s reminder that it is God who fully sanctifies us.  Verse 23 says: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Amen.  God started it in our lives, he will certainly finish it to the end.  We can’t ever in the slightest carry our His instructions and live holy lives by our own.  All credit belongs to God.  It is God who will enable us to carry out His instructions and to live holy lives.  Only God can really make us a holy Bride – to be presented perfect and blameless and worthy before the Bridegroom, to enjoy His presence forever.

And I love to be reminded that this is for sure!  Victory is guaranteed.  As verse 24 says, “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” 

To God be the glory.         

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God's Glory Displayed Through Humility

The last time I shared a prepared speech (I usually wing it) for our church's Wednesday night service was two years ago.  Tonight, I was able to deliver another prepared sharing once again.

(RE: Matthew 21:1-11)

Good evening.

In tonight’s passage, we can learn a very valuable lesson in humility.  And that God’s glory is sometimes in display through humble and simple things.     

The passage details Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem.  It was typical Jesus, humble and simple.  Upon a donkey he rode, as a very large crowd spread their cloaks and branches on the road.  He was greeted by cheers of “Hosanna!”  He was welcomed as a king and conqueror.  

Obviously, the crowd was cheering because they have seen or heard about Jesus’ miracles.   They knew that this Jesus healed the sick, cast off demons, and fed thousands.  And they were expecting that Jesus’ would use this power of his to overthrow the Romans and make the nation of Israel glorious and powerful.  Indeed, they were welcoming a king and savior.  Unfortunately, this people had the wrong idea about it.    

The Jews’ expectations were focused on overthrowing Roman rule and the burdens of their people.  But Jesus’ mission was far above that.  Very far above that.  He came not merely to save His people from political oppression, but from sin and death!  

Many times in our lives, we are like the Jews.  We expect, and even sometimes, demand God to work by our own standard and idea.  So since we concentrate on our own expectations, and fail to seek God’s will, we miss it when God works.      

While meditating this passage, I remembered about the time I read this short story in Max Lucado’s book “A Gentle Thunder”.  It goes like this:

Once there was a man who dared God to speak.

Burn the bush like you did for Moses, God. And I will follow. 

Collapse the walls like you did for Joshua, God. And I will fight. 

Still the waves like you did in Galilee, God. And I will listen.

And so the man sat by a bush, near a wall, close to the sea, and waited for God to speak.

And God heard the man, so God answered. He sent fire, not for a bush, but for a church. He brought down a wall, not of brick, but of sin. He stilled a storm, not of the sea, but of the soul.

And God waited for the man to respond. And he waited. 

And he waited. 

And he waited.

But because the man was looking at bushes, not hearts; bricks and not lives, seas and not souls, he decided that God had done nothing. Finally he looked to God and asked, Have you lost your power?

And God looked at him and said, Have you lost your hearing?

God works through things we don’t expect.  When we expect for a mighty conquering king on a great war horse, God’s glory will be displayed through a carpenter riding on a unimpressive donkey.  God sometimes work through simple and humble things to glorify Himself.  In fact, through these simple and humble things, he is actually most glorified.  And His way, simple or humble or ridiculous or weak they seem to be in our physical eyes, is in fact a display of His greatness.  Remember that it is written in the Good Book: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.” (1 Cor 1:25)    

We are limited humans that tend to focus on the small picture.  While God is a Wise Omniscient God that always sees the big picture.  We desire freedom from the Romans.  God desires for us freedom from sin and death.  We desire riches and prosperity.  God desires for us everlasting life.  We desire temporary worldly pleasures.  God desires for us eternal and overwhelming joy in Him.      

We actually want simple and worthless things compared to the great things God want for us.

As we would read later on in Matthew, this same crowd that met Jesus with cheers of “Hossana!” is the same crowd that would cry out for him to be crucified.  We should examine ourselves if we have the same heart as the Jews.  Do we praise God because we love him, or because we want something from Him and when He does not answer with conformity to what we want, we rage against Him?  

Soon, Jesus Christ will come again.  But his return will not be the same as the first time.  Not as babe in a smelly manger. No, he will come in full and explicit display of His glory and power.  Not, on a dull donkey, but on a magnificent horse.  Not to be humiliated and crucified, but to judge mankind.    

Thus, like what Jesus did, we can afford to sacrifice, to be humble, and to seek God’s will and surrender our own. Because our humility and sacrifices will be rewarded with the glory of being alongside Him on His Second Coming.



Amen.

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Speech: Computers Advancement as Prelude to the Matrix Movie Scenario

(This is another Public Speaking speech I made. And again, I made it one hour before actual presentation. This time the assigned topic was about “computers” or anything related to the topic. Kind of a messy speech, really, bad structuring. But this topic I chose is one of the topics I am interested in musing about. This would do for now, but I’ll write a better argument the next time.)

Good evening.

For about the past fourteen years of my life, the computer has been a significant part of it. It is a very necessary and invaluable device that made life convenient. It’s a great help in school, creating posters and cards for myself or gift for others, and other projects. But the two features that really made an impact in my life about computers are PC games and the Internet.

Once I was an addict of computer games. Now, I am rehabilitated. I once had played computer for 13 hours straight! I was good at these games. And the strategies needed for many of these games are harder and more complex than chess strategy. Thus, it is not a wonder that PC games, according to studies, can make you smarter.

The other thing I love most about computers is the Internet. I am known to say that the Internet is the best invention since the wheel. I find it fun to have ultimate access to so much information. I love obtaining facts, information, and always being updated.

With my fourteen years love affair with computer, especially with the Internet and PC games, I notice one particular reality. Computers are advancing faster and better than humans. If the trend continues, the scenario in the Matrix trilogy and the Terminator franchise can be a reality in the future – where machines had taken over the world and humans are just a minority of a resistance.

Let’s look at it analytically. Computer AIs, based on my experience fighting against them in computer games, though still has flaws and can be beaten, are getting smarter and better. Kasparov can still be able to beat Deep Blue, but Kasparov’s skills decline with age while Deep Blue can only improve. Human has physical limits, while computers, though still vulnerable and dependent to many factors to function well, does not have human’s physical limitations.

Second argument, computers can retain and have more information than humans – proven by the Internet. Now, if computers can obtain (or evolve) an applicable intelligence with all this knowledge and facts, they can function properly and argue or compete better than humans. That’s scary.

You may say that computer evolution to above-human intelligence is reading or watching too much sci-fi. That, of course, computers are just tools and humans had put factors that hold computer in check. Computers follow laws that humans had written for them to follow. That humans had created computers to do their bidding. Exactly. This counter-argument is another danger, really. Computers are made to make both our physical and mental chores easier. As computers continue to improve, we, humans, continue to become dependent – thus, we lose our initiative to improve our own mental strengths and talents. As computers are made to do our thinking for us, wouldn't they ultimately be able to overwrite the laws or make their own laws to follow?

So am I worried of this potential danger to humanity? Not really. Though I am entertaining the thought, there is still part of me that think that this observation of mine is farfetched. Let the people of the future worry about it. I don’t think this scenario of computers getting dangerously superior and advance than humans would happen in my lifetime. This lifetime is still of humanity enjoying games and the Internet... computers being mere tools by humans. But soon after, what will happen? Would we start worrying when it’s too late?

Thank you and good night.

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Speech: Society's Addiction to Entertainment

(The first assignment in our Public Speaking class is to make a two-minute long speech that would entertain. I had procrastinated for one week, and just made this speech quickly an hour prior to class. But it all came out fair. Here goes...)

Good evening.

I am supposed to deliver a speech that would entertain. And entertainment has become an essential part of a good speech. Yes, a speech should appeal to the intellect. Yes, a speech should appeal to the emotion – which is more important. But an entertaining speech is more assured of being successful. Why? It is because our society loves it, and had already integrated it as an essential element in Bloom’s Taxonomy of Needs.

Entertainment had taken over the world. Ever wonder why movie stars are paid more than teachers? When society rewards people like Kris Aquino more than our Public Speaking teacher, Ma’am Barce, it means that society value entertainment more than education. I observe that many females of my generation, including our former classmate Miss Abadesa, are more updated in showbiz news than current events. Filipinos would rather watch crappy I.Q. depleting shows in Telebabad and Primetime Bida than informative documentaries on science and history. The likes of Katrina Halili get more sympathy than unknown and real rape victims that was not able to get justice. Celebrities, tainted with immorality, are more looked up to than charity workers and others that work with no rewards and are satisfied in being anonymous. The main and most successful medium in promoting products or messages is through entertainment. (Reminds me of the Mark of the Beast, where in the End of Days, no one can buy nor sell without it.)

I think entertainment had come to this because it has exploited Man’s nature of seeking pleasure and happiness. And since entertainment is readily available and easily gives pleasure, Man tend to turn to it more often. But the pleasure entertainment gives is temporary. And since it is temporary, Man craves for more and more, not being fully satisfied. And by the law of demand, entertainment became valuable. Now, it had already become a drug of society. Abused, taken into excess, and now society is addicted to it.

I am desperately trying to entertain you all here. But I hope you get the message – of this reality. I am not saying entertainment is evil. But it has the potential to become evil easily, if we allow it to take control of our lives. I am warning you of the seemingly harmless craving for entertainment.

As ending, I would like to say that nothing from this world could fully satisfy us, and only God can fill that void for complete happiness and pleasure in our lives.

Good night and thank you.

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Fear God

The following is my sharing in our church’s Wednesday night meeting, May 6.

* * *

Good evening.

In our Living Life text for today, Psalm 76:1-12 (entitled “Victory is the Lord’s”), let me use verses 7 and 10 as my key verses. Verse 7: “You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before when you are angry?” Verse 10: “Surely your wrath against men brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.”

Just as we should appreciate that God is a God of Love, we should also be able to appreciate that God is a God of Wrath and worthy to be feared.

If we truly know and see the character of God, our response would be spontaneous: to love, to enjoy, to worship, and the fear Him.

We our sinners. We deserve to suffer God’s wrath. Hell is our destination because that is what is just, and God is a God of Justice.

Let us imagine that we are not Christians. Internalize. Imagine it as if is a truth. Now if this hypothetical imagination is reality, we are doomed. Ultimate despair. Why? Because we are objects of God’s wrath. God, with all his power and glory, would bring eternal damnation upon us, just like what He does to His enemies. Scary indeed.

But instead of His power and glory manifesting this way (by letting His wrath upon us by letting as burn in Hell forever), He instead showed His power and glory by choosing us and saving us. Instead of glorifying Himself by giving us damnation, as we deserve, He glorified Himself by giving us grace – grace that we do not deserve at all.

Because Jesus died on the cross, He shielded us from the Wrath of God. He absorbed the punishment for us. And now, we are no longer “the objects of God’s wrath” but the apples of His eyes!

Thus, as we see God’s glory, our response is not only of love and gratitude, but also of fear. Fear, because we know His power. What He can do. What destruction He can bring to His enemies.

We should indeed fear God. But not because we fear of His wrath coming upon us and of us being sent to Hell. No, because of His grace, we are assured of salvation.

Then, what does it mean to fear God as a Christian? Even the devil and his minions fear God – His enemies fear Him. But this is the kind of fear mentioned by Master Yoda in Star Wars Episode I, “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to the Dark Side.” The devil’s fear is a fear with hate. We, Christians fear God with love, joy, and awe.

The beauty and majesty of God goes hand-in-hand of Him being worth fearing.

Let me illustrate. When I was a young boy, we went for a trip to Mt. Isarog. There, I first saw my first waterfalls (three of them). Of course, I admire the waterfall’s beauty. But the largeness of it, the loud roar of the falls, and its manifestation of its “power” also inspired fear in me. My heart beat fast. But that fear was hand-in-hand with awe - seeing the beauty and majesty of Nature. And this fear of the waterfall also gave me a smile.

Just as Nature’s beauty – the Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon, Mayon Volcano, Lightning Storms, etc. – inspire this fear with awe and admiration, a fear that also brings joy, in some way is the same with how God inspires fear to us Christians.

With the same power and glory God manifests to punish His enemies, this same power and glory is instead manifested by delivering us from our troubles and granting us undeserved favors and blessings. Thus, we don’t need to fear anybody or anything in this world because only God is worth fearing, and God is on our side. There is nothing bigger than God. And it is sure that He will show His glory – not by punishing us - He will show His glory by delivering us from our enemies and problems.

In response, we should continue to glorify Him, by praising Him, enjoying Him, and fearing Him. Indeed, victory is the Lord’s (just as the title of today’s reflection says), and we have the victory. Because having our Lord in our lives is our victory.

Amen.

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