GIVING A DEFENSE

by with No Comment INSPIRATIONAL

Last Sunday, we had a very interesting time at Church…well, we always do, but this time it’s different. During our life lesson’s time, the topic took a very heavy turn. It talked about conversational evangelism. Evangelism per se is the epitome of the divine directive that is given to all Christians. “GO YE THEREFORE…” is the operative phrase in the great commission of Christ to the church age believers. John Piper even said, “the good news that is not proclaimed is not a good one…it’s not even news!”

Personally, I was challenged with the drive of the message that day. I was examining myself on how I am fulfilling the great commission? What part am I doing? Am I not responding to God’s call? Is this part of the “CHANGE PROJECT” I set out to do? Are you telling me something God? These are questions that need to be dealt with in this lifetime.

To make matters even more complicated (yet affirming), I’ve just finished listening to Ravi Zacharias’ introduction to Apologetics, and I tell you, complicated is just an understatement! There are things in life that I wish I could grasp with just a phrase or two…but in reality, the things of God are too broad and infinite in character that words could barely contain their full significance. In this study, it teaches us how to “…make a defense” according to Peter’s 1st book in the New Testament. To MAKE A DEFENSE in the Greek is the word APOLOGIA which means apologetics. It is simply building a solid belief system that can be used to convey and explain itself using acquired and applied knowledge. It’s CONVERSATIONAL EVANGELISM. I think God is telling me something.

For quite some time I’ve been assessing myself in all aspects…thinking of my role in this world. Am I just a pawn of the princes of the power of this world? Or am I a new creature…armed with the mind of a deity who personally thought of me while being sacrificed for MY sins. Why am I here? What’s my DEFENSE?

REALITY OF CHANGE

by with No Comment INSPIRATIONAL

I don’t like it but I need it. I HAVE to change in order for me to be able to do stuff that really matter. Life is constantly changing, and not to change will be devastating. 50, 20, 10 years ago…things ran differently. The government for one has a constant fluctuation in growth…one decade we we’re a tiger economy, then a poverty stricken country on the next. People change for the better or mutate to a Hyde-like person. We are changing.

This morning, I was browsing the internet for stuff that would satisfy my interest-seeking media conscience. I had five browsers simultaneously running with one purpose in mind; fulfill my craving for information that could benefit my career and my spiritual life. 15 minutes in to my search for media-nirvana, I stumbled upon Pastor Ed Young’s blog. Pastor Ed Young is the Pastor of Fellowship Church and his recently concluded Sunday Sermon just got uploaded. He has a series on LUST called “Leaving Lust Vegas” and preached on the lust of the flesh. I watched the 28min teaser kinda clip…the rest of the sermon was available for download for a small donation. The clip revolved around the story of Lot and his decision to pitch his tent towards Sodom (Genesis 13) during an internal conflict with his uncle Abe. We all know that Sodom and Gomorrah provided services that would bankrupt Manila’s Red Light district. Unimaginable sexual lusts are marketed in that city 24/7…and Lot was slowly drawn from the outskirts of Sodom in to the heart of Sodom.

What struck me the most with Pastor Young’s sermon was the reality of how much effort we have to exert in order to integrate biblically good change within us. I am 25, and people say I’m still young…but according to a Wii console, I’m in a 36 year old body! Now that’s one change I need to address…but for the rest of my life, what do I really want to do? What changes should occur for me to be used by God? Another question that I need to ask myself is…am I willing to change at all?

I already know that change needs to begin within. As John the beloved said that as my soul prospers, the details of life will follow. I want to succeed in life, but not according to man’s standards. I want God’s approval and hear Him in my soul say “Well done!” I think seeking God’s approval is not a lust, but a desire.

So, what do I need to do? CHANGE

How will I change? Now…that’s a question for another blog entry to answer! For now, I’ll be doing baby bite size applications and try to implement as much renovation of the mentality as possible!

BREAKING POINT

by with No Comment INSPIRATIONAL

When you had enough crap from people, circumstances and things…and you feel like shouting from the top of your lungs and just curse…then my friend, you have just reached one of life’s breaking point! Yes…you read it right…it’s just one of the many opportunities to break or make a situation!

I acknowledge the fact that we are mere mortals…humans…in my language it goes like this…”sensya…tao lang!” But in reality, the fact of us being finite in being is not really an excuse. God, in His sovereign nature, has purposed in His plan for man to be weak and vulnerable…not because God is a sadist…but because He wants us to realize that if we ever reach the BREAKING POINT, He is there to show His love, mercy and grace! When Adam ate the forbidden fruit, God knew that it was the perfect time to show grace…so He called Adam. Not because he did not know where he is…but because he wants them (Adam and Eve) to acknowledge their mistake and come to Him for a divinely approved solution. But instead of going to God, they sewed fig leaves and hid their nakedness (human works).

You see…we have this opportunity to be confronted and comforted by God…the only thing we need is to restore that relationship with Him that was once lost by Adam. So if you are reading this, and you are nearing your breaking point, then assess yourself.

1) Do you have an eternal relationship with God the Father? The only way you can have that relationship is if you sincerely accept Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, as your personal Savior, and recognize that you cannot save yourself

2) if you have that relationship with God…then are you growing for the good of the kingdom? Are you taking in Biblical principles that will lead you to spiritual maturity?

Only you can answer that question…so I urge you beloved reader…search your heart!