Philippine Asian News Today Vol 20 no 19 | Page 24

RELIGIOUS 24 Wisdom from the Word Ben Berto “ and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3: 15-17 NKJV HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY TO ALL. I am sure that each one has reasons to be thankful to God for things that God has done for him. I, too, have a million and one things to thank Him for but this page is not enough to contain them. I am thankful that there is a God who loves me and all humanity. Without Him we will have no hope of coming out of this world alive. Satan has taken this world captive and would like to destroy it to spite God, but God has pre-empted his plans by sending His Son Jesus to redeem the world through His own blood that was shed on Calvary. By His death on the cross and resurrection He broke the chain of death that was decreed for us when our first parents sinned. We have a Redeemer who can do all things because He is God who keeps His promises. I am thankful to have parents loved me and my siblings together. They gave us the opportunity to finish our education and have careers that gave us our livelihood. I am thankful to have a wife, Angie, from the Fortaleza clan, with whom I am in love through the years. I am also thankful to be able to attend the Gracias Christmas Cantata last October 1 at the Queen Moments Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD The story is told about a lawyer who was cross-examining a wife who was accused of putting poison in her husband’s coffee “Was there a moment when you felt sorry for him?” There was silence, and then the wife said: “Yes… when he asked for a second cup.” In today’s Gospel (Mk. 17-30), Jesus felt sorry for the man who was good, but could not follow Him because he had many possessions. Jesus looked at him and loved him, and wanted to be with him, but the rich man chose worldly riches and possessions above his Lord and Master. Isn’t that often the story of us all? “And he went away sad…” This is how the story ends for those who choose the world over the Word. An unhappy ending. Let us not miss our chance for true greatness. Let us not make choices that we will regret in the end. “Let go, and let God.” Try it. It is PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY October 1 - 15, 2018 HOW CHRISTIANS GROW STRONG 2 Elizabeth Theater. To those who were there, they would agree with me that the singing was superb and the message of Christmas was true for all time, the Saviour and Lord. This is the second part of our message on how Christians Grow Strong. FOURTH PRINCIPLE: BEARING WITNESS. “A witness is a person who who testifies of what he or she has seen or heard. A witness shares his or her own personal experience. Whoever has a living and personal relationship with Christ can be a witness for Him. A genuine Christian life is contagious. Therefore, we cannot abstain from talking about Jesus. The apostles, when they were haled in court by the jealous and angry clergy, told them, we cannot stop talking about what we have seen and heard.” God told the people of Israel through the prophet Isaiah, “You are My witnesses,” says the LORD,“ And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.” Isaiah 43: 10, NKJV. St. Paul, when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, and became converted, he wrote: “ I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel [a]of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1: 14-16. St. Peter also told witnesses for Christ to 15” But [a]sanctify [b]the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” Being a witness for God, one becomes a DEFENDER OF THE FAITH ONCE DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave this one instruction in Acts 1: 8. He said,” 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” FIFTH PRINCIPLE: BEING OBEDIENT. “The key to rapid growth is immediate obedience as soon as we recognize what God’s will is. It would be unwise to disobey the one who really loves us and who alone knows what is best for us. God desires that we live a meaningful and successful life. Therefore, we obey God always. One reason why God finally rejected King Saul from being king of Israel was his life of disobedience. After a mission to completely destroy the Amalekites, including livestock, Saul spared the best of the cattle and King Agag. Prophet Samuel told him in uncertain terms, So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of [a]witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.” Obedience to the Lord’s commandments and statutes is the basis for the success of the Israelite nation. So it is with us. God said, “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people.” The texts below will show us what we ought to do for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Matthew 6: 24 & 22: 37; (You cannot serve two masters, Jesus and Satan; You shall love the Lord with all your heart). John 14: 21 & John 15: 10 (If you love Me, keep My commandments and abide in my love). 1 John 2: 6 (Those who say they abide in Jesus should walk the way Jesus walked) Philippians 2:13( “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure”) and finally in Luke 6: 46-49 ( Those who the will of God are like those who build their houses on the rocks and no amount of storm can topple them). Finally, “these five principles help us to stay in contact with Jesus Christ and grow spiritually. The first two refer to our relationship with the Lord. Through Scripture God communicates with us. Through prayer we talk to god. The next two principles bear on our relationship with humans. In fellowship we enjoy interchange and unity with Christian brothers and sisters. In witnessing we pass on the good news about Jesus to others. Obedience is directed toward God, but oftentimes it also affects us fellow human beings. If we follow these principles , joy, peace, love and fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ will increase.” Amen. May God bless us all. For questions and Bible Studies, call, Ben at 604 581 1278, Junjun at 778-927- 8040, Stanley at 604-700- 3053 and Pastor Leomar Macaraig at 604 928 3579. The Abundant Life Seventh-day Adventist Church meets at the City Center Church on 13062 104th Avenue, Surrey on Saturdays. All are welcome to attend. Of worldly pleasures and treasures not easy, but it leads to true freedom. It is when we let go and let God that things fall into place, and peace comes to our hearts. Nausea is a constant companion for us who go through chemotherapy. What’s worse than that? The constant greed and corruption of our government officials and leaders who hold on to ill-gotten possessions and profitable positions, and families perpetuating dynasties with no shame, all in the name of public service. That’s really nauseating. Cancer, or any sickness, or any experience that makes us slow down or become still, are reminders from God that our life is just lent to us, and that we carry nothing and no one with us when we leave this world, except the love we have shared, and the faith in our hearts. Man, be not proud. Christmas is just around the corner. It’s time to do some sorting and disposing of excess and unnecessary luggage in our hearts and in our hands. Selfishness imprisons us, but love sets us free and makes our journey light and bright. As of this writing, the P1-billion- plus Ultra Lotto jackpot prize has yet to be won. Lotto money is a lot of money, and can lead to a lot of worry and misery if not handled with wisdom and love. Same with all other worldly riches and possessions. Let not our possessions possess us. Let not our worldly riches stress us. Let not worldly fame and popularity mislead us. Notice how the world is in constant search for affirmation through worldly possessions, achievements, titles and recognition? Notice, too, how social media is all about being liked or disliked? Please remember that our greatest affirmation is that we are assured of God’s love, assured by the love of family, and a few good and real friends. Really, we don’t need followers, admirers and fans. Think about this: “Your value doesn’t come from your looks, from your car, from your school, from your bank accounts, or from your WWW.PHILIPPINEASIANNEWSTODAY.COM last name. It comes from God who created you from nothing, who saved you from your sins, and who qualified you for life everlasting.” If you find it difficult to let go, try P-A-E-W-A-N. That is, Pray About Everything, Worry About Nothing. It also means Pray About Everyone, Worry About No One. That’s right— “Ewan” (“I don’t know, but I trust in You, Lord!”). “Ewanan” (“I leave everything and everyone in Your heart, Lord!”). Oct. 21 is World Mission Sunday. There is a big world “out there” that has not yet heard or accepted the Good News of our salvation. We all should do our mission to spread the light. Let us continue to support and pray for our missionaries. One with you in prayer and in mission. A moment with the Lord: Lord, help us not to become prisoners of worldly pleasures and treasures. Amen. ([email protected])