Philippine Asian News Today Vol 19 No 17 | Page 24

RELIGIOUS
24
Wisdom from
the Word
Ben Berto
And He said to them, “Take heed
and beware of covetousness,[a] for
one’s life does not consist in
the abundance of the things he
possesses.” LUKE 12: 15, NKJV`
 But Jesus said to him, “No one,
having put his hand to the plow, and
looking back, is fit for the kingdom of
God.” LUKE 9: 62 NKJV
Just recently, the State of
Washington, south of us, had put more
teeth to their laws regarding distracted
driving. In addition to cell phones, it is
now distraction when you are eating,
drinking, putting on makeup, or
anything that will keep your attention
on the road while driving. And one
could be given a hefty ticket when
caught by the “parak” or cop. Here
in British Columbia, it is against the
law to use a cellphone while driving.
Anyone could use a cell phone but
it should be hands free. This is to
prevent accidents like rear-enders or
worse. Yours truly got rear-ended by
a driver was using a cellphone. I got a
pain in my neck for that.
The Gospel of the soon return
of Jesus is good news to all. John
14: 1-3 says, “Let not your heart be
troubled; you believe in God, believe
also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are
many mansions;[a] if it were not so, I
would have told you. I go to prepare
a place for you.[b] 3 And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come
PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY September 1 - 15, 2017
Distractions to Heavenly Destination
again and receive you to Myself;
that where I am, there you may be
also.” Jesus promised this and wants
every man, woman, and child to get
to that place but Satan who is God’s
enemy will try to put obstacles on the
road that leads to Paradise. He will
use every means on his disposal by
“hook or by crook” to keep people
from going to heaven. Failing that,
he will distract people by persecution,
deception, or promises of wealth or
pleasure. Jesus said to “Take heed and
beware of covetousness,[a] for one’s
life does not consist in the abundance
of the things he possesses”. Having
everything in life could not bring us
heaven, but having Jesus in our lives
could.
In the parable of the sower,
Jesus said that some of the seeds fell
among the thorns, and he explained
2 “Now he who received seed among
the thorns is he who hears the word,
and the cares of this world and the
deceitfulness of riches choke the word,
and he becomes unfruitful.” Those
are the things that could distract a
Christian trying to navigate the road
to heaven. One thing, too, is that the
heavenly road is not a broad way but
a narrow way. One songwriter wrote
this song about our road to heaven.
“It’s not an easy road we are
traveling to heaven
For many are the thorns on
Moments
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers
of God, 5 having a form of godliness
but denying its power. And from such
people turn away. “
These will occur but if we remain
faithful to God and not give up is spite
of all the hardships that Satan will
inflict on us, God will give all those who
are saved the crown of life. Amen
For prayer, questions and Bible
study, call Ben at 604-581-1278,
Junjun at 778-927-8040, and Stanley
at 604-700-3053. You are invited
to worship with us every Sabbath
(Saturday) at the Abundant Life
Community Seventh-day Adventist
Church at 13062-104 Avenue, Surrey.
Welcome.
Our new shepherd, Pastor
Leomar Macaraig also takes care of
the Vancouver Filipino and Burnaby
FilCan SDA churches. His phone
number is; 604-928-3579. Every
Friday, we have a Bible Study with
the Pastor. Everybody is welcome to
attend, whether you are a Seventh-
day Adventist or not. The Word of
God is for everyone. Our address is
9495- 132 Street, Surrey.
Among us
Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD
Someone commented that
some people are like Google: They
never quite allow you to finish your
questions. There are people who
don’t really listen, and right away they
have answers, recommendations and
suggestions.
In today’s Gospel (Mt. 18, 15-20),
Jesus tells His discip