An Unusual Birthday Meditation

It's my birthday! In years past, my favorite meditation for this occasion was God's love for me from eternity past to the present. I marveled about how that sperm cell out of millions ever found that egg cell. What a delight to think that God formed me in my mother's womb.

But this year is different. Its NOT because the great truths I wrote in the preceding paragraph are worthless now. Of course not! I still treasure those truths. I just can't shake-off the Villanueva-Quiboloy controversy out of my mind.

For the record: I have already observed Eddie Villanueva's slide to ecumenism a long time ago. During the 25th Anniversary of JIL (2003), he declared: "I don't care what your religion is. What's important is we are all the People of God. We cannot allow the Devil to have a fiesta on our nation." 

What did he mean when he said he doesn't care what your religion is as long as you belong to the people of God? Mine is just a suspicion but it makes sense. By that time he was (perhaps still is) the chairman of God's People Coalition for Righteousness, an umbrella organization of Evangelicals, Catholics, and Muslims (perhaps other groups were also represented). That organization was very visible during Armida Siguion-Reyna's stint as chairman of MTRCB. These religious groups actively opposed obscenity in Philippine movies which was then a trend.

In the past, he has already labeled those who deny the essentials of the evangelical faith as "God's people"  so calling the members of Quiboloy's cult as citizens of heaven is not really a new thing.

Also, in his 2004  Miting d'Avance, there was an interfaith confession of sin among Evangelicals, Catholics and Muslims.

This is an unusual birthday meditation. But it is good to be reminded that ecumenism is a dangerous thing. Let us learn from the mistakes of Bro. Eddie.

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My musings about Cindy Jacobs' prophecy on Eddie Villanueva's presidency

I think this is a good follow-up to my earlier post relating to Bill Hamon's prophecy. I have long ceased watching Eddie Villanueva's programs so I was not familiar with the recent prophecy uttered by Cindy Jacobs. Today, I watched it for the first time on Youtube. I transcribed a portion of it and I will state my musings below the video clip.

Starting at 5:34, Jacobs says: "There's a lot of things God wants to make happen in the earth. He wants his will done on the earth as it is in heaven. But his will will always be done but sometimes it can be delayed to another generation because people will not stand up and fight. In 2006, I was at Los Angeles, California in a hotel. I had not seen Bro. Eddie and Sis. Dory for a few years. I came up and asked if I could pray for him. I don't really understand the political climate of the Philippines at that time. And I said to him, "Bro. Eddie God showed me its his will for you to be the president of the Philippines. That is God's will. But when whether.. listen to me. Its not fate. Its going to take a nation of Davids that says we no longer stand for a corrupt nation... Bro. Eddie, you will always love your sheep but God is calling you to go from the priestly anointing to the kingly anointing."

My musings:

1. Cindy Jacobs is playing it safe. If Villanueva fails again, she will put the blame on us because we did not stand up and fight.

2.  There is a possibility that for the third time, Villanueva will run again in 2016. Jacobs says that unfulfilled prophecies are not frustrated, just delayed. 

3.  I now understand why calls for Bro. Eddie to stay with his flock and be faithful to his calling as an evangelist fell on deaf ears. Its because he believes he has received a "kingly anointing" as opposed to "priestly anointing"-- whatever those terms mean.

4.  Some Pro-Eddie Christians are so militant in supporting their candidate because they see themselves as a "nation of Davids".

5.  When other evangelical Christians support other candidates (perhaps Pro-Noynoy or Pro-Villar), some Pro-Eddie Christians see them outside the "nation of Davids". They refuse to say "No" to a corrupt nation. (In effect, they are saying "YES" to corruption).

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Yeast in the Dough

In a way, this is part two of my previous post. As I see it, there is a link between economic improvement and the advancement of the gospel in Eddie Villanueva's thought. Let me explain.

I was an avid viewer of Villanueva's Jesus the Healer TV Program. One of Villanueva's passions way back then is Bill Hamon's prophecy in 1992. Hamon prophesied that within the span of 20 years, God will use three presidents to transform the Philippines into "The America of Asia". There will be so much economic prosperity that the Philippines could afford sending missionaries. The Philippines will be the "launching pad of the gospel" says the (false) prophecy.

Thus, Villanueva has two great dreams:

1. economic glory for the Philippines that will lead to

2. the advancement of the gospel message to the nations with the Philippines as the launching pad.

Let's suppose Villanueva wins and resides in Malacanang for the next six years, will the cause of the gospel be advanced if Villanueva refuses to repent?

Again, I DON'T THINK SO.

On the contrary, I think the witness of God's people will be severely impaired if Villanueva's sin will not be dealt with. The Apostle Paul teaches that sin will not restrict its effect to the offender. Like a little yeast, it will affect the entire batch of dough (1 Corinthians 5:6).

Given the prominence of Villanueva within the evangelical community, his sin is no small yeast. The extent of his influence will not be limited to the JIL churches. It threatens to affect us all.

Oh God, have mercy on us!

Sometimes, My Opinion Doesn't Matter

JOB 40:4-5 "I am unworthy--how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer-- twice, but I will say no more" (NIV)

I cannot forget that poster posted inside a tricycle of which I was a frequent passenger:
     The image: a bunch of penguins
     The text: I don't remember the exact words but it's point is that these penguins would like to talk to God for the purpose of suggesting a few improvements.

Perhaps they would complain about the way they walk (hindi kaya ayaw nila ng pakendng-kendeng?) or perhaps they  want wings that would make them soar like eagles. Or maybe they just want a colorful appearance.

It's simply ridiculous how a penguin could ever think that there is something lacking in the wisdom of God. Yet that poster wasn't penguin-made; it's man-made. Thus it represents the arrogance of man.

We think we have brilliant opinions and God must hear them so he could fulfill his role as Deity better. We even grumble about the manna and say in our hearts that if God is good and wise, he would have given us meat.

Our Text: Job 40:3-5
We know the background behind our text:
~A righteous man named Job lost his possessions
~a righteous man lost his children
~a righteous man lost his health. A skin disease covered him from the soles of his feet to the crown of his had

Then everybody pontificates about the tragic event: his wife, his friends and even Job himself.

God begins to speak in chapter 38 of that long book. He did not explain why Job is under such circumstances. He just appealed to his wisdom and power:

"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand." (Job 38:4)

God's first speech consists of chapters 38 & 39; there is more to come but God's first speech was enough for Job's submission

He realized how small he was-- "I am of small account" (ESV). Compared to God, he is reduced to insignificance. After seeing his self compared to God, Job apprehended that his opinions are insignificant too compared to the perfect wisdom of God. He decides that the best thing he could do is to cover his mouth and shut up in humble submission to God.

Job 42:3 ""Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know."

Isa. 55:9- "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

The thoughts and deeds of the Lord are beyond human comprehension. What he has revealed unto us, we must fully accept. And for the things he has hidden in mystery, we must trust his goodness and wisdom (Deut.29:29)

Thanks be to God for the gifted teachers in the church. We can always go to them whenever we have biblical/theological questions. Yet there are times when those who are most biblically and theologically perceptive among us should say "I'm sorry! I can't answer your question. I really don't know. It's beyond human comprehension. But these I know:
     God is always right
     God is always good
     and we should submit ourselves to his wisdom."
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Photo credit:  http://www.thelifeaquatic.org

Matthew Henry: Sin's Aggravating Factors

Factors that make our sins
"MORE HEINOUS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, AND MORE DANGEROUS TO OURSELVES"
 

1. The more knowledge we have of good and evil, the greater is our sin

2. The greater profession we have made of religion, the greater hath been our sin

3. The more mercies we have received from God, the greater has been our sin.

4. The fairer warning we have had from the word of God, and our consciences, concerning our danger of sin, the greater is the sin if we go on in it.

5. The greater afflictions we have under for sin, the greater is the sin if we go on in it.

6. The more vows and promises we have made of better obedience, the greater has our sin been.

Matthew Henry

A Method For Prayer

cited in The Devoted Life

Eds: Kelly Kapic & Randall Gleason

The Temple Tax and the Coin in the Fish's Mouth (Matthew 17:24-27)

 Matthew 17:24-27: After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"

"Yes, he does," he replied.
    When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes--from their own sons or from others?"

"From others," Peter answered.
    "Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours." (NIV)

Unlike the taxes levied by the Roman Empire, the temple tax is not burdensome for a devout Jew. The collection shall not go to the treasury of any foreign power, rather it would be used for the maintenance of  the temple services. It is for their religion. It is for their worship. It is for the house of God.

It is due. It must be paid immediately. Yet Jesus has not paid it yet. So the tax collectors approached the leading disciple of Jesus. They asked him, ""Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" Embedded in this question is the message that if Jesus doesn't pay the temple tax, then he is not devout in the faith. In other words, the reputation of Jesus is at stake. Every faithful Jew must pay the temple tax.

Eager to defend his teacher's honor, Peter quickly replied, "Yes, he does". Yet he was not so sure after all. When he arrived at the house where Jesus is staying, he wants to ask his Master about it. But Jesus, displaying his omniscience knew what is in Peter's heart so he spoke even before Peter could say something.

 "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes--from their own sons or from others?" It is implied here that ancient kings collected tolls and taxes from their subjects and not from their sons. Peter replied correctly, "From others". Jesus then concluded "Then the sons are exempt".

The temple as God's house must be supported. God Almighty has levied this annual tax upon his subjects and they must comply. Yet Jesus as God's son is tax-exempt. He is the heir of all things and he is creator himself (Heb. 1:2). In Rev. 17:14, he is called King of kings. He is not subject to any tax because he is the owner of the earth and everything in it. (Psalm 24:1)

Yet during his humbled state on this earth, he laid this privilege aside. He continues, "But so that we may not offend them... " He avoided unnecessary offense that will make it difficult for people to hear his message. This same principle was followed by the Apostle Paul-- to the point of giving up some rights that would "hinder the gospel of Christ" (1 Cor.9:12).

The way he provided for the payment of the temple tax is an exciting one: "...go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

He is not only the Creator and owner of all things, he also controls them all. He summoned a fish to swallow a coin at the bottom of the lake and summoned it again to submit itself to Peter's hook. The coin inside the fish's mouth was enough to pay not just Jesus' tax but Peter's also. Elsewhere, he summoned a large school of fish to submit themselves to Peter's net in broad daylight- an unlikely time for fishing. The catch was so great that the net began to break. (Luke 5:1-6)

He could do that because he is in control over all the marine creatures. He is in control on how this earth's resources are disposed: all the pearls; all the gold; all the silver; all the oil. If you are a jeepney driver, he summons passengers for you. If you are a businessman, he summons customers and clients for you. If you are a farmer, he summons rain for your crops. Everything and everyone in the universe is under his control. "he holds all creation together" (Col. 1:17 NLT)

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Works Consulted:

Carson, D.A.,  Matthew, Vol.1 (Ch. 1-12), The Expositor's Bible Commentary 
Keener, Craig, Matthew (IVP New Testament Commentary Series)

Kistemaker, Simon, The Miracles: Exploring the Mystery of Jesus's Divine Works 

Photo Credit: Christian Clipart

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Komentaryo ni Kuya Arnel sa Jer. 2:24

Ang lakas ng dating sa akin ng mensahe ni Ptr. Jun Malazo noong araw ng Linggo. Mula sa mga kabanatang 2, 3 at 4 ng Jeremias,  ipinakita niya ang kahinaan (vulnerability) ng isang taong nanlamig ang pag-ibig sa Panginoon. Tila ba nawawala ang immune system mo kapag backslider ka na. Nawawalan ka ng lakas upang labanan ang kasalanan.

Ang talagang kumintal sa isip ay ang implikasyon ng Jer.2:24:

"a wild donkey accustomed to the desert,
    sniffing the wind in her craving--
    in her heat who can restrain her?
  Any males that pursue her need not tire themselves;
    at mating time they will find her." (NIV)

Dito ay inihalintulad ang kalagayan ng mga backslider sa isang inahing asno na nag-iinit naghahanap ng makakatalik. Hindi na raw mahihirapan ang mga barako na suyuin siya. Mula dito ay sinabi ni Ptr. Malazo na madaling bibigay sa kompromiso ang isang backslider. 

Sakay pa lang ako ng dyip papauwi ay gumawa na ako ng resolusyon na  magsasaliksik tungkol dito.

Malaki ang respeto ko sa mga iskolar ng bibliya kaya naman madalas akong sumangguni sa kanila. Inisip ko, anu-ano ba yung mga komentaryo sa Jeremias na accessible sa akin. Aha! Nandiyan si J. Andrew Dearman, Academic Dean sa Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Nandiyan din si Charles Feinberg, mentor lang naman siya ng kagalang-galang John Macarthur noong nag-aaral pa siya sa Talbot. Ngunit sa pagkakataong ito hindi sila ang kailangan ko. Sa Jer.2:24, may kilala akong higit na dalubhasa sa kanila. Bagamat ang nasa Jer.2:24 ay tungkol sa asno, sa aking palagay ay may mga ugali naman ang mga asno na hindi nalalayo sa mga baka.

Bago lumipad patungong Inglatera si Kuya Arnel, hilig niya talaga ang pag-aalaga ng baka. Nasa sinapupunan pa lang siya ni nanay, magkasama na silang nagpapastol ng baka.Sa katunayan, nang minsang umuwi siya dito sa Pinas, isa sa mga bida sa kanyang camera ay ang kanyang naiwang alagang baka.

Sa kabutihan ng Panginoon, nakasabay ko si Kuya Arnel Lunes ng madaling araw. Sinamantala ko ang pagkakataon upang hingin ang kanyang expert opinion. 

Ayon sa kaya, kung wala pa sa mating period and isang baka, hindi niya hahayaang makasampa ang barakong toro. Magpapakita ito ng resistance. 

Subalit 'pag nasa mating period na ang isang inahing baka, hindi ito mapapakali. Ang dating ayaw masampaan ay siya na mismong sasampa-- sa kapwa niya inahing baka; sa sarili niyang anak-- sa LAHAT ng makikita niyang baka. Kaya naman kapag inilapit mo siya sa barakong toro, walang kahirap-hirap. Game na game ang inahing baka.

Ganun pala ang kalagayan ng backslider. Maaaring malakas siya noon. Ni hindi makalapit sa kanya ang mga masasama. Subalit kapag nanlamig ang pag-ibig niya sa Panginoon. magkakaroon siya ng isang 'di mapipigilang pagnanasa na gumawa ng masama. Siya na mismo ang maghahanap ng paraan upang makagawa ng hindi kanais-nais. Kapag niyaya siya ng mga hindi mananampalataya upang maligo sa dagat ng basura, mauuna siyang lulusong.

Panginoon, pakaingatan mo ang aming mga puso.

Huwag nawa kaming humantong sa ganito.

Nawa'y ikaw lagi ang aming iibigin.

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81-year old blogger: Donn Arms explains why Jay Adams (born Jan. 30, 1929) is blogging

"... while he is enjoying a degree of good health he is not able to travel far from the 'Adams compound' in rural Spartanburg county in South Carolina. We are thankful that today’s technology enables him to continue to have a wide ministry.

The psalmist wrote:

    The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age, they shall be full of sap and very green.
                                                                        Psalm 92:12-14

I believe you will find, as you read Dr. Adams’ blog, that he is still ”full of sap and very green!” (-Donn Arms, read the whole thing here)

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Books by Dr. Jay Adams:

Competent to Counsel

The Christian Counselor's Manual

Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Bible

How to Help People Change

A Theology of Christian Counseling

Christian Living in the Home:

The Biblical View of Self-Esteem, Self-Love, and Self-Image

Solving Marriage Problems

Ready to Restore

From Forgiven to Forgiving

How to Overcome Evil

Handbook of Church Discipline

Preaching with Purpose 

Shepherding God's Flock