Pleasing God With your Music

Maraming pag-aaral na ang nagsasabi na kayang baguhin ng musika ang isipan at emosyon ng isang tao. Greek philosopher Plato once said, “Give me the music of a nation and I will change the mind of that nation.” Ang musika rin ang ginagamit ni satanas upang mailayo sa Panginoon ang maraming kabataan. Many teenagers already struggling with personal and family issues are attracted to heavy rock and metal music, because the lyrics express their own troubled feelings. Ang patuloy na pagbabad sa isipan at pandinig ng mga musika ay maaring magdala sa isang kabataan sa mga gawain na may kinalaman sa okultismo, satanismo, paggamit ng bawal na gamut, premarital sex, suicide at marami pang iba. Many researches even argue that when music lyrics are illustrated in music videos, the lyrics' potential impact is magnified by the accompanying video images. Ano ba ang ipinapakita ng maraming MTVs? Many of them glorify sex and violence. They depict women as sexual objects, show lewd scenes as normal and promote violent activities. Many of them do not really complement the lyrics of the song. They just want to arouse the interest of the teenage viewers.

SECULAR vs. WORLDLY MUSIC
Hindi lahat ng awitin ay lumalabag sa kalooban ng Diyos. Kailangan nating maintindihan ang pagkakaiba ng “secular songs” o mga kantang walang kinalaman sa anumang relihiyon o mga espiritwal na bagay, sa mga tinatawag na “worldly songs” o mga bagay na nagpapakita o sumusuporta sa paggawa ng kasalanan o mga bagay labag sa batas at kabanalan ng Diyos.

Secular songs may or may not be worldly. For example, the most famous “Happy Birthday” song is secular but it does not oppose the holiness of God. Nagiging makamundo ang isang love song kung hindi na ito umaayon sa Salita ng Diyos. Maraming kantang nagpapahayag ng tunay na commitment sa pagitan ng dalawang nag-iibigan. Sa kabilang banda, maraming love songs na naririnig natin sa FM stations ang nagpapahayag na hindi kasalanan ang premarital sex at homosexuality. The Bible declares that corrupt things should not proceed from our mouth. We must carefully choose the songs we sing. It is not sinful to sing secular songs. The Lord is displeased when we sing SINFUL secular songs. I can say that youth should listen to secular songs which promote a neutral and balanced message at their own risk.

SOME GUIDELINES
Ano’ng uri ng musika ang dapat pakinggan ng mga kabataan? There is no straightforward answer to this question mainly because we have different ways of valuing and interpreting music. No particular musical style is commanded in the Bible. For instance, I don’t believe that there is a definite CHRISTIAN MUSIC. There are only CHRISTIAN LYRICS. Naniniwala ako na sa Diyos nanggaling ang musika. Sinira lamang ni satanas ang paggamit sa musika para ipahamak ang maraming tao. Kailangan lang nating alaman kung kailan ginagamit ang musikang ipinagkaloob ng Diyos sa maling paraan. Before patronizing and singing a secular song, I recommend that you do the following:

Basahin ang lyrics ng kanta – Songs must be judged according to their lyrical content. Maraming kabataan na kanta lang ng kanta dahil maganda ang tono at tempo ng musika. Ang hindi nila alam, sinasabi na nilang “Magpakamatay na tayo!”, Mag-suicide na tayo!, at marami pang iba. Bago kumanta, please magbasa. What are the lyrics of the song? Does it contradict or support the Word of God?

Alamin ang pagpapahalagang ipinapakita sa kanta - What values does the song promote? Does it promote righteousness or sin? Huwag nang kantahin ang isang awit kung kinakalaban nito ang kabanalan at utos ng Diyos. We must test everythin, hold on to the good and avoid every kind of evil.

Alamin ang buhay ng singer/composer – Sinabi ng Panginoon na ang isang masamang puno ay hindi maaring magbunga ng mabuting bunga. Kung ano ang pagpapahalaga ng composer o lumikha ng kanta, iyon ang lalabas sa kaniyang musika. Who composed/performed the song? Is he/she a good example to you and to others? When you buy a record of an artist promoting wrong values, you are supporting him/her to continue his sinful work. Choose well your music even if they identify themselves as Christian bands. Does the band glorify God and not themselves? Does the band live what they sing?

Nilalapit ka ba o nilalayo ng kanta sa Panginoon? - Alamin Kung saan ka dinadala ng inaawit mo. Napapalayo ka ba sa Diyos o mas lalong napapalapit sa Kaniya? Bilang Cristianong kabataan, bakit natin sasayangin ang ating panahon sa pagkanta ng mga secular songs? Kahit balanse ang mensahe nito, hindi pa rin ito nakatuon sa pagbibigay papuri sa Panginoon. My main recommendation is surround yourself with Christian music and focus more on singing songs that will glorify God.

Si Marky Cielo (1988-2008) at ang Buhay-Kabataan

Kasabay ng pagdiriwang sa tagumpay ni Manny Pacquiao sa kaniyang laban kay De La Hoya, ginulantang rin ni Marky ang lahat sa kaniyang hindi inaasahang pagpanaw. Natagpuang siyang patay ng kaniyang ina sa kaniyang kuwarto sa kanilang tahanan sa Antipolo, alas-6 ng umaga ng December 7.

Pinahanga ni Marky ang buong sambayanan sa pagkapanalo niya bilang unang Igorot na sumali sa StarStruck na naging Ultimate Sole Survivor pa ng StarStruck Batch 3! Bagaman sinasabi ng iba na hindi siya kasing-guwapo ng mga tipikal na teenage heartthrobs, pinabilib niya ang sambayanan sa kaniyang talento sa pagsayaw. Lumutang rin ang kaniyang talento sa drama nang gumanap siya ng iba’t ibang papel sa mga telenovela at fantaserye ng GMA-7 katulad ng Encantadia, Fantastikids, Bakekang, Asian Treasures, Boys Next Door, Kaputol ng Isang Awit, and Codename: Asero. Ngunit mas nakilala siya sa kaniyang pagganap bilang si Green Zaido sa fantaserye na Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan. Naiwan niya ang isang programa na La Lola at ang kaniyang trabaho bilang main-stay sa variety show na SOP.

Ang pagpanaw ni Marky ay nagpapaalala sa atin na ang ating buhay sa daigdig ay pansamantala lamang (James 4:14, Psalm 90:5). Young people should never boast of their energy and youthfulness. Death can come anytime. Ang tanong: Handa ba tayong harapin ang kamatayan?

The Bible declares that we must start to remember our Creator in the days of our youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Huwag na nating hintayin pa na tayo ay tubuan ng puting buhok bago natin ialay ang ating buhay sa Panginoon. It is appointed unto all men to die once, and then God’s judgment begins (Hebrew 9:27). Never leave this world without repenting of your sins and accepting Christ in your heart. Ito ang pinakadakilang mensahe na kailanganh seryosohin ng lahat ng kabataan.

PARA SA MGA HINDI MATALINO

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically...
Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”— MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., American civil rights leader (1929-1968)

“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”- DEREK BOK, Harvard University Professor (1983-1991)

Hindi ko makakalimutan ang lahat ng first school days ko noong ako ay nasa elementarya pa lamang. Hindi dahil sa excited ako mag-aral kung hindi dahil sa mga bago kong bag, notebooks, lapis, pencil case at uniform. Sa tuwing inaamoy ko sila, parang ayaw ko na silang gamitin. Baka kasi maluma. Pero hindi puwedeng mangyari iyon. Mga isang buwan ko pa lamang sila nagagamit, madumi na ang bag ko sa alikabok at mantsa, pudpod na ang lapis ko at lukot-lukot na ang mga dating bago kong notebooks.

Minsan, iniisip natin na ang pag-aaral ay parang pagkakaroon lang ng mga bagong gamit. Madali tayong nawawalan ng interes sa pag-aaral kapag wala na ang bango ng ating mga school supplies. Ang iba, hindi na pumapasok dahil talagang wala nang interes makita ang mga teachers at classmates. Kung hindi pa pagagalitan at parurusahan ng magulang ay hindi papasok sa eskwela. Kailangan nating maintindihan na ang pag-aaral ay bahagi ng ating paghahanda para sa kinabukasan. May mga bagay na kailangang tayong maunawaan tungkol sa plano ng Diyos sa mga kabataan sa loob ng ekswelahan. Kailangan nating alamin ang Salita ng Diyos upang lubos na maunawaan kung paano Niya ginagamit ang edukasyon upang matupad ang Kaniyang dakilang plano para sa atin.

Education provides us knowledge. And we must understand that all knowledge ciomes from God. Sa kaniya nagsisimula ang lahat ng karunungan. Hindi natin mauunawaan ang lahat ng bagay sa daigdig kung hindi Niya tayo pagkakalooban ng kaalaman. Makukuha lamang natin ang kaalamang ito kung magsisikap tayong mag-aral. Sa kabilang banda, marami naman ang nanangan sa sarili nilang karunungan at wari’y sinasabing hindi nila kailangan ang Diyos. Dahil sa sobra nilang katalinuhan, they even deny the existence of God. Secular knowledge is good but if it contradicts the holiness of God, it should never be embraced and promoted.

God is never anti-intellectual. Ayaw niya na maging mangmang ang mga tao sa mundo lalo na ang kaniyang mga anak. Many people are destroyed due to lack of wisdom. May naghihintay na parangal ang mga matatalino. When wise people speak, knowledge becomes more attractive. Mas lalong nagiging interesante ang mag-aral. Nakaka-inspire ang mga taong puno ng karunungan. Isang dahilan kung bakit ginusto kong maging isa gurp ay dahil nais kong maging instrumento ng pagbabago ng maraming kabataan. Hindi lang basta karunungan ang nais kong ibahagi sa kanila, kung hindi karunungan na nagmumula sa Diyos. Kung mayroon kang karunungan, mas magiging mabunga at matagumpay ang iyong buhay. Sa kabilang banda, ang mga mangmang ay laging mahihirapan.

We must always ask God for knowledge. Mas mahalaga ang karunungan kaysa anumang yaman sa daigdig. Solomon once wrote: “being wise is better than being strong; yes, knowledge is more important than strength”. Lagi nating naririnig: Knowledge is power. Kung sino ang may hawak ng karunungan, nagtataglay din siya ng kapangyarihan at kalakasan. Suportado ito ng Salita ng Diyos. Proverbs 8:10-11 even declares that we should choose knowledge rather than gold.

TIPS on Reading Books on Love, Courtship, Dating, Marriage and Sex (LCDMS)

Taun-taon, nagsusulputang parang mga kabute ang mga libro tungkol sa PAG-IBIG. Iba't iba ang oryentasyon at rekomendasyon. Iba't iba ang background ng mga nagsusulat. Iba't iba ang pagtingin sa pakikipagrelasyon--ang iba agresibo, ang iba sobrang Jurassic ang pagiging konserbatibo. Wala akong inirerekomendang libro na basahin ninyo pagdating sa usapin ng love, courtship, dating, marriage, sex and marriage. Magbibigay lamang ako ng ilang pamantayan na maari ninyong gamitin upang malaman kung ano ang dapat ninyong tangkilikin. I have three major recommendations.

FOUNDED ON THE WORD OF GOD – Never patronize books that are humanistic—those who are man-centred and undermine Christian and Biblical principles. Practical principles often do not please God. For instance, many love books undermine the importance of faith. Among Christians, 2 Corinthians 6:14 should take precedence. The principle of marrying ONLY believers is the rule. It is non-negotiable. Maraming Cristiano ang nag-aasawa dahil sa napag-iiwanan na daw sila ng kalendaryo kaya kung sino na lang ang makita sa daan ang pakakasalan. Also, many love books recommend shortcuts in relationships. May isa pa nga akong narinig na HUWAG nang PATAGALIN ang relasyon kung pareho nang MARRIAGABLE ang magka-partner—kahit na dalawang buwan pa lamang nagkakakilala. There are many things in the relationship that we cannot short-circuit. Whirlwind romance can be disastrous.

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, BEEN THAT AUTHOR – Isinulat ba ang libro ng isang taong may sapat na karanasan o iyong nagpapanggap lamang na eksperto? Inirerekomenda kong basahin ninyo ang mga librong isinulat ng mga taong NARANASAN na at NATUTO sa mga kamalian ng maling pakikipagrelasyon. They know what they are talking about. Higit pa rito, mas makabubuting basahin ang mga libro ng mga manunulat na IKINASAL na o may ASAWA na at PAMILYA. Bakit? Kasi, sila ang totoong eksperto. Parang ganito lang yan. Kung ako ay hihingi ng payo tungkol sa pagpapamilya, mas maniniwala ako sa isang matandang walang pinag-aralan ngunit nakapagtatag ng isang maayos na sambahayan, iginagalang ng kaniyang mga anak at asawa KAYSA sa isang Psychologist na walang asawa at hindi pa nararanasan ang magpatakbo ng isang sambahayan. Marami kasi akong nababasang mga “love guru” na nagsusulat ukol sa SEX MATTERS ngunit wala pang karanasan sa SEX. Yes, it is true that you do not need to engage in premarital sex to understand its consequences, but it is more CREDIBLE and AUTHORITATIVE to write on the matter if you already experienced being subjected to the dynamics of sex life. Go for books written by well-seasoned authors.

CULTURALLY-SENSITIVE ADVICE –Nirerekomenda ba ng libro ang mga pagpapahalagang hindi natin dapat niyayakap bilang mga Filipino? Many would say that love topics transcend culture. I beg to disagree. For instance, some books recommend that ladies COURT boys in a blatant, obvious manner kung torpe ang lalake. Well, walang problema iyon sa mga Western, industrialized, capitalist countries. But every Filipina who will embrace idea must also be ready to face the cultural consequences of the action. Sa ngayon, hindi tanggap ng lipunan na maging agresibo ang mga kababaihan sa panliligaw (palipad-hangin siguro puwede). Maaring sabihin ninyo sa akin, “Hindi ba dapat binabali na natin ang ganitong kaisipan? We now live in the period of globalization of ideas.” Mahirap pag-isahin ang kultura ng lahat ng bansa. Although globalization entails the homogenization of cultures, I am still with the view that basic cultural practices and values of different countries cannot be easily eroded by globalization factors. Isa lang ang puwede kong isagot: It is your prerogative to embrace contemporary, Western values. But I would still recommend that you respect the culture you are in, because you may be a stumbling block to others.

PHILIPPINE YOUTH WORKERS' SUMMIT 2009 (Survey Form Attached)

Dear Co-Youth Minister,

The PCEC-NYC with the cooperation of youth ministry leaders from different Christian denominations and organizations are currently organizing a Youth Worker's Summit, tentativley scheduled on 2009, the first of its kind in the Philippines. Since programs and details of the events are still in the stage of discussion and exploration, we seek your assistance.

Attached is a file for the survey on the learning needs of youth workers who are possible delegates to the conference. We hope you can find time to answer the form. Your responses are valuable and will be used to ascertain the details/topics of of the event.

We would appreciate if you could return the answered form through email not later than December 12, Friday, before the next meeting of the Steering Committee. Forward your responses to rcmolmisa@yahoo.com/gmail.com. We will inform you of the schedule of the next meeting so that you can also participate in the discussions as your schedule would allow.

Kindly spread the word about the Youth Workers' Summit 2009 to your network and friends. We created a yahoogroup to facilitate communication: http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/ywsummit09/. May God richly bless you and your ministry. We hope to see you next year!


God bless YOUth!

Youth Workers' Summit 2009
Organizing Committee

US Polls Declare that Obama would win the Election

Visit this link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/7360265.stm

Ravi Zacharias-Where is the Glory?

Isa ito sa pinakamagandang teaching na narinig ko kay Ravi Zacharias--tungkol sa tunay na kahulugan ng "righteousness" o katuwiran sa harap ng Diyos. Feel free to download this and share. Ravi Zacharias is a world-renown Christian apologist who reveal and explain the authority of the Bible and the meaning of the Christian faith to THINKERS (i.e academics, atheists) of the world. You can visit his website at www.rzim.org

OK ba ang HALLOWEEN? (The Dangers of Occultic Games and Practices)

Nang minsang pumila ako para bayaran sa cashier ang librong aking binili, napansin ko ang mga maiingay na private high school students sa likuran ko na tuwang tuwa sa kanilang binabasa—Ghost Stories. Naitanong ko sa aking sarili? Bakit ba mahilig manood at magbasa ang mga kabataan ng mga horror flicks and literature tulad ng Harry Potter Series at Angels and Demons ni Dan Brown?

I discovered that horror is a way for people to deal with their three most primal fears: fear of the dark, fear of the future and the fear of the unknown. We cannot control the dark, the future, or the unknown. Kung kaya gumagawa tayo ng mga istorya at mga bagay-bagay para harapin ang ating mga takot. Out of curiosity, many teenagers would like to have a different kind of adventure. Gustong malaman kung talagang may multo at mga maligno. Gusto rin ng marami na makita ang mga bagay na hindi nakatago sa paningin ng maraming tao.

Minsan sinulat ni C.S. Lewis sa kaniyang librong The Screwtape Letters ang mga pangungusap na ito: There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve their existence. The other is to believe and feel an unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician in the same delight.

Maraming Cristiano ang ayaw pag-usapan ang mga bagay tungkol sa demonyo at kay satanas. Hindi na daw dapat pag-usapan iyon. We will only glorify the works of the devil. Mayroon namang sobrang natutuwang makibaka sa mga gawa ng kadiliman na halos wala nang ginawa kung hindi mag-spiritual warfare. May isa nga akong kilala na laging may nakikitang demonyo sa bawat tao. Kasi nga masyadong babad sa mga paksang may kinalaman sa mga demonyo.Maraming kabataan ang natutuwang maglaro ng mga occultic games (occult means hidden). Hindi nila alam, mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ng Diyos na makilahok sa ganitong mga gawain (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Leviticus 20:27, 2 Kings 23:24, Jeremiah 10:2). Following are games and activities which can be classified as occult practices. This is not an exhaustive list.

•Ouija Boards
•Spirit of the Glass
•Magic Cards – The Gathering
•Dungeons and Dragons
•Opening of the Third Eye
•Tarot Cards
•Palm Reading
•Astrology and Horoscope
•Silva Mind Control
•Transcedental Meditation
•Astral Projection (Out of the Body Experience)
•Yoga and Meditation
•Martial Arts (Mysticism/devotion to sensei)
•Occultic video games
•Levitation
•Mental Telepathy/ Mental Control of Others
•Hypnosis
•Black or White Magic
•Masonry
•Casting of Spells or curses
•Amulets and Charm (Agimat)
•Satanism
•Worship of objects/crystals/gems
•Belief in superstitions (pamahiin)
•New Age lessons and books
•Scientology
•Hare Krishna/Bahaism
•Buddhism and Hinduism (Shiva Worship)

Nowhere in the Bible that God condones and tolerates the abovementioned practices. The truth is, Christians are fighting a spiritual against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world." Minsang sinabi ni Pablo na ang lahat ng gumagawa nito ay hindi kailanman makakapasok sa kaharian ng langit—ang impiyerno ang kanilang destinasyon. The things that God did not reveal to man must be kept secret. God prohibits people engage in divination and fortune-telling (panghuhula), necromancy (pakikipag-usap sa mga patay), astrology (horoscopes), hypnotism at mga katulad nitong gawain.

Occultism and witchcraft is considered rebellion against God. Kasuklam-suklam ito sa paningin ng Diyos. Many youth are being enticed to these because of the promise of power. Magiging makapangyarihan sila. Again, this is a self-center attitude. If you have the power to alter things and influence people’s behaviors, you can easily dismiss the authority of God in your life. It is also discovered that many of those wo engage in these activities are suffering from interpersonal relationships (i.e. family problems). They resort to these activities to resolve their personal issues.

CONSEQUENCES OF INVOLVEMENT IN OCCULTIC PRACTICES
Minsang sinabi ni Pablo kay Timoteo na mas titindi ang interes ng maraming kabataan sa mga bagay ukol sa kadiliman sa mga huling araw. Tinawag silang mga “magdarayang espiritu at ang mga aral ng diyablo.” Magiging kaakit-akit sa mga kabataan ang mga bagay na ito dahil sa kakayahan ni satanas na maging “anghel ng kaliwanagan.” May mga larong akala mo harmless pero ikaw ang sisirain sa bandang huli.

•Occultic games expose people to the evil spirits. Hindi nakikipaglaro ang mga demonyo.The devil is the father of lies and evil deeds.

•Occult involvement may lead to demon possession. Hindi alam ng maraming kabataan na ginagamit na sila ni satanas sa mga fantasy role-playing game (FRPG). It requires the player to take on the role of an imaginary character and thinks like them—engaging in battles, casting spells and killing opponents.

•Those who practice witchcraft will have no peace dahil maari silang gambalain ng mga espiritung kanilang kinakausap at ginagambala.

•Kapag gumagawa ka ng mga kultong gawain, parang ibinebenta mo na kay satanas ang iyong kaluluwa dahil nakikipaglaro ka sa kaniya.

HOW TO BE DELIVERED
Dahil kinasusuklaman ng Diyos ang mga taong gumawa ng mga kultong gawain, kailangan tanggalin natin ang lahat ng impluwensiya nito sa ating buhay. Paano natin ito gagawin?

Una, humingi ng tawad sa Panginoon sa pakikilahok mo sa ganitong mga gawain.

Pangalawa, kailangan nating sirain, itapon at huwag nang tangkilikin pa ang lahat ng mga bagay na may kinalaman sa bagay na ito. Seek the help of a pastor or a leader on how to destroy the materials. I recommend that before you do this, seek spiritual support and prayers. This is because you are making a public declaration of your opposition to the works of the devil.

Pangatlo, laging lumayo sa anumang bagay na may kinalaman sa mga occultic practices. Sabihin din sa iba ang panganib na dulot nito. Sa ganitong paraan magiging bahagi ka ng pagbabago ng buhay ng iba.

God DID it Again (National Quiz Bee Second Victory)

Niloob ng Panginoon na muling maiuwi namin ni Louie (in behalf of DLSU-Manila) ang kampeonato sa regional finals ng National Quiz Bee na ginanap sa Robinson's Metro East noong October 25. Ibig sabihin, ang De La Salle University-Manila ang NCR representative sa National Quiz Bee Championship na gaganapin sa Philamlife Auditorium, UN Avenue, Manila sa ika-6 ng Disyembre. The event is open to the public. To all my DLSU students, I hope to see you there.

During the game proper, nandoon pa rin ang kaba dahil sa pressure na bunga ng unang pagkapanalo. Muli, napatunayan namin na ang karunungan, kaalaman at katalinuhan ay sa Panginoon lamang nagmumula. All glory belongs to Him.

Ibinabad sa panalangin ang lahat ng bagay. Nagpamisa pa nang ilang beses ang pamilya ni Louie para sa kumpetisyon. Before the competition, I released a prayer of blessing for Louie and indeed God showed His faithfulness. We won without proceeding to the clincher round unlike in the Division level competition.

In all of these, the Lord reminded me of the words of Prophet Jeremiah. This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

We will compete for God's glory. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (For the greater glory of God)--Ooops Ateneo yun ha!!. Kindly pray for us for wisdom, health and spiritual strength. May God bless us all.

YOUTH EXPLODE....November 29, Folk Arts Theatre (A Different Kind of Youth Gathering)

May ginagawa ang Panginoon sa kasalukuyang henerasyon ng kabataang Filipino. Ang pagtitipon sa Folk Arts Theatre ay kakaiba dahil sa magsasama-sama ang mga kabataang Evangelical, Katoliko, Protestante at iba pang youth organizations upang ideklara ang kahalagahan ng pagbabasa at pagsasabuhay ng Bibliya.

Nakikita ko na ang bunga ng mga panalangin ng maraming youth ministry leaders sa nakaraang mga taon. Indeed, revival is happening in this country which will start among the younger generation. This is really EXCITING and GLORIOUS.

Walang bayad ang pagpunta. You may contact me or Ptr Roni of PCEC for information and details (pcecnyc@gmail.com)

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Background

A look at our Philippine context shows that more than half of Filipinos do not own a Bible. A survey conducted by the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) revealed that 60% of Filipinos do not own a Bible. Among young people, both teenagers and young professionals, the number is bigger: 70% do not own a Bible. If we are to take the Bible ownership as a sign, then this is not a very good one.

Even among young people who own a Bible, a great number acknowledge they do not read it because they do not know where to start, do not know how to read the Bible, nor do they understand the Bible version they have. But the most striking revelation is that many of them don't read the Bible because they do not see the benefits of Bible reading in their lives.

It is in response to this reality that the Philippine Bible Society (PBS), together with the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), the Philippine Evangelical Church Council (PCEC), and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) through its Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) and on Youth (ECY), and other independent churches and groups have come together, prayed together seeking God's guidance, and decided together to come up with a deliberate Youth Scripture Engagement Program --- the Y! EXPLODE: The Bible Adventure Series.

This whole day affair has a two-fold aim:

1. To kick-off a nationwide drive to heighten Scripture awareness among our Church and Youth Ministry leaders that could be followed-up at church council levels.

2. To develop thereafter relevant youth programs ("explosion series" of the Bible Adventure), thus ensuring continuity and heightening of awareness level.

Target Participants

This first in the series is intended for young people and those who work in the ministry (youth ministers, youth workers, youth leaders, etc). Expected number of participants is eight thousand (8,000).

PROGRAM

6:00AM Bible March
Participants gather and march from two points (Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate, Manila and Derham Park in Pasay City [at the back of Cuneta Astrodome]) and converge at the area between the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Aliw Theater, and move as one towards Bulwagan ng Panginoon (Folk Arts Theater).

Color-coding
BLUE for PCEC, GREEN for CBCP, RED for NCCP and WHITE for independent churches/groups.

8:00AM Enthronement of the Word / PBS Anniversary Service
God's Word is enthroned in its central place in the assembly. Everyone participants in the service for the 109th anniversary of the PBS, with Pastor Ed Lapiz of Day by Day Ministries speaking on the Bible, the Youth, and the Philippines.

10:30AM First Plenary: "The Bible, the Youth, and the Workplace" / Group Interaction
Participants get to meet new friends. They listen to Mr. Bo Sanchez who will discuss with them the place of God's Word in their life as young people. After some time for internalization, they will enrich one another in their small groups with their insights.

12:00NN Lunch Entertainment: Wow wow WORD!
While taking lunch, the Grand Finals of the inter-school Bible Quiz will be held, with bonus performances and games where everyone has a chance at exciting prizes!

2:00PM Second Plenary: "The Bible, the Youth, and the Church" / Group Interaction
Back with friends in their respective small groups, participants discuss with Pastor LA Mumar how young people find their place in the Church through the Word. This culminates with personal reflection and small group sharing on their realizations.

3:30PM Bible Concert!
To cap this wonderful day, everyone gets to jam with some of the most popular names in the entertainment world... still connected with the Word! It will be more than two hours of fun with new friends, celebrating the gift of the youth and of God's Word which gives joyful meaning to everyone!

In between these main events will be lots of singing and dancing, chances to meet old faces and make new friends, opportunities to get to know more about your group and others, and of course, moments to be inspired and thrilled by Jesus' deep, deep love for everyone through His life-giving Word!

Sa mga Laging Bigo sa Pag-ibig....

Love Christ first....and He will give you the desires of your heart...

A Tried and Tested Principle

Beware of Mall SALE Deception

Noong Biyernes, isang oras akong natrapik sa Ortigas nang umalis ako sa bahay ng 12 ng tanghali, sakay ng FX, para makarating sa MRT station. Dahil dito, hindi ako nakapunta sa aking 1pm na meeting. Hindi umuusad ang sasakyan at kahit saan ka sumuot, laging may bottleneck ang trapiko. Doon ko na-REALIZE, as in na-REALIZE na nagsimula pala noong araw na iyon ang Sale sa Megamall. Para hindi masayang ang panahon ko, bumaba na ako sa Mega Mall dahil hindi na rin ako makakarating sa aking appointment at hindi na umuusad ang mga sasakyan.

Sinubukan kong tingnan ang item na gusto kong bilhin sa isang music shop. Dahil sa SALE ang nakalagay, inasahan ko na mas mababa ang aking malalamang presyo. Lo and behold, WALANG PINAGBAGO sa presyo. May dagdag lang---ang presyong itinaas ng P2000 na may nakapatong na malaking "X" mark para magmukhang GRABE nilang ibinaba ang presyo.
Nagtanong ako na animo'y inosente na tunay na presyo. Ang hindi alam ng salesboy, ang presyong SALE na inilagay nila sa item ay ang MISMONG PRESYO kapag walang sale. Sa isip ko, isang malaking PANLILINLANG ito. Kapag hindi ka matalinong mamimili, madadala ka na lang sa matatamis na salita ng mga nagbebenta.

Naniniwala ako na ang mga SALE declarations ng mga malls ay panahon din para sa mga ilang mall stores na linlangin ang mga consumer. Kahit wala silang mga depreciated items, binabandera nilang nagbababa rin sila ng presyo.

Walang manlilinlang, kung walang MAGPAPALINLANG.

MRT Inspirational Story 3 (The Allegory of Frogs)

Once upon a time there was a race of frogs

The goal was to reach the top of a high tower.Many people gathered to see and support them.

The race began...

In reality, the people didn't believe that it was possible that the frogs would reach the top of the tower, and all the phrases that one could hear were of this kind:

"What pain!!! . They'll never make it!"

The frogs began to doubt themselves.

The people continued:

"... What pain!!! They'll never make it! ..."

And the frogs, one by one, admitted defeat,

except for one frog that continued to climb.

At the end he, alone, and with and enormous effort, reached the top of the tower.

One of the quitters approached him to ask him how he had done it, to finish the race.

And discovered that he...

was deaf!

MRT Inspirational Story 2 (Smoke Signals to God)

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed
forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky.

The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.

"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground ----it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

MRT Ride Inspirational Stories (Story 1)

Nakakatuwang isipin na may evangelism na nangyayari sa loob ng MRT trains. Hindi dahil sa mga street evangelists kung hindi sa pamamagitan ng kanilang audio announcements. Kung dati, panay announcement lang ng Chowking at mga Electricity/Fitness Tips ang paulit-ulit na gumagambala sa iyo, mayroon nang MAS MAKABULUHANG mensaheng ang masasagap mo habang nakikipagsiksikan sa MRT Trains. Bago ka makarating sa isang istasyon, siguradong makakarinig ka ng isang inspirational story. I will post these stories.

THE EAGLE AND THE STORM

Did you know that an eagle knows when a
storm is approaching long before it breaks?

The eagle will fly to some high spot
and wait for the winds to come.

When the storm hits,it sets its wings
so that the wind will pick it up
and lift it above the storm.
While the storm rages below,
the eagle is soaring above it.

The eagle does not escape the storm.
It simply uses the storm to lift it higher.
It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us -
and all of us will experience them -
we can rise above them
by setting our minds
and our belief toward God.

The storms do not have to overcome us.
We can allow God's power
to lift us above them.

God enables us to ride
the winds of the storm
that bring sickness, tragedy, failure
and disappointment in our lives.
We can soar above the storm.

Remember, it is not the burdens
of life that weigh us down,
it is how we handle them.

The Bible says,

"Those who hope in the
Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles." Isaiah 40:31

ATENEO Tops UP in 2008 Rankings!!!

The Times Higher Education Quacquarelli Symonds

World University Rankings 2008

Philippine Universities (2008 Rankings)

1. Ateneo de Manila University 254

2. University of the Philippines 276

3. De La Salle University 415

4. University of Santo Tomas 470

The Methodology: A simple overview

The THE - QS World University Rankings were conceived to present a multi-faceted view of the relative strengths of the world's leading univerities. The research yields results on 600 "in the round" and 300 in each of five broad faculty areas. The overall rankings are compiled based in six distinct indicators:

Academic Peer Review (40%)

The Academic Peer Review is the centrepiece of the THE - QS World University Rankings and is based on an online survey distributed to academics worldwide. Results are compiled based on three years worth of responses totalling 6,354 in 2008. Respondents are not permitted to submit their ow institution or to respond more than once (their latest respose is counted). Weightings are applied both geographically and by discipline to ensure as fair a representative spread as possible.

Employer Review (10%)

Similar to the Academic Peer Review, this indicator is based on a global online survey, this time distributed to employers. Results are again based on three years worth of "latest respose" data. Geographical weightings are again applied to ensure fair representation from key regions of the world.

Faculty Student Ratio (20%)

Faculty Student Ratio is used in many ranking systems and evaluations in the world, and whilst it may not be a perfect measure of teaching quality, it is the most globally available and accessible measure of commitment to teaching. An indication that the institution in question has sufficient staff to teach its students.

Citations per Faculty (20%)

Citations are a widely used, conventional mesure of research strength. A citation is a reference to one academic publication in the text of another. The more citations a publication receives the better it is perceived to be, the more highly cited papers a university publishes, the stronger it can be considered to be. As a measure this is somewhat geared towards scientific and technical subjects, which is why it doesn't carry more weight. The source used in this evaluation is Scopus, the world's largest abstract and citation database of research literature. The latest five complete years of data are used. The total citation count is factored against the number of faculty in order to take into account the size of the institution.

International Factors (10%)

International Faculty (5%)

International Students (5%)

In today's increasingly globalized world, the most successful universities have to attract the world's best students and faculty. Simple evaluations of the proportion of international students and international faculty serve as indicators of an institution's international attractiveness.

On Being a University Professor and a Pastor

I consider teaching not as a career but as a vocation/mission. Matagal ko nang tinanggap ang katotohanang I will always be a teacher, either in academic or church setting. Teaching is my passion and my life.

Minsan pumasok sa isipan kong iwan ang pagtuturo sa university at mag-full-time sa pagpapastor. Pero pinigil ako ng Panginoon. Isang lang ang isinagot Niya sa akin: "Tinawag kita upang maging propesor dahil iyan ang paraan para maging epektibo kang pastor." God proved this message sa halos 5 taon kong pagtuturo sa mga high school at college students. Hindi ko maaring paghiwalayin ang pagiging lingkod ng Panginoon at pagiging propesyunal na guro.

Kung wala kang tiyagang humubog ng isipan at asal ng mga estudyante, hindi ka magtatagal sa academic community. Kung hindi mo kayang intindihin ang kahinaan ng mga kabataan at tulungan sila sa kanilang mga personal issues, hindi ka maaring maging epektibong youth pastor.

I would like to quote what George Bernard Shaw expressed. "To me the sole hope of human salvation lies in teaching Man to regard himself as an experiment in the realization of God, to regard his hands as God's hand, his brain as God's brain, his purpose as God's purpose. He must regard God as a helpless Longing, which longed him into existence by its desperate need for an executive organ.” Teaching is one of the greatest means to reveal to students the love of God. Hence, I will always be a teacher.

Hindi tayo ilalagay ng Panginoon sa isang lugar nang walang dahilan. God is a God of purpose and perfect plans. Just be teachable and learn to accept His dealings.

WEAK PEOPLE ARE THE BEST MINISTERS

Minsan naisip ninyo na ba kung bakit kung sino pa ang maraming negative issues sa buhay, ang mahina, ang walang talento, ang walang talino, ang hindi sikat ay sila pa ang matinding gamitin ng Diyos sa ministeryo?

Tingnan na lamang natin ang buhay ni Todd Bentley na siyang naging sentro ng Lakeland Revival sa Florida, USA. Nagkaproblema siya sa kaniyang relasyon sa kaniyang asawa ngunit ginamit ng Panginoon sa pagsisimula ng isa sa pinakamalaking Christian revival sa kasaysayan ng daigdig.

Isa ring halimbawa si Nick Vujicic ng Australia. Wala siyang limbs—paa at mga braso subalit umiikot sa buong daigdig upang ibahagi ang pagmamahal ng Diyos sa lahat na nawawalan ng pag-asa sa buhay.

Inspirasyon din sa marami ang naging karanasan ni Sarah Balabagan, ang dating teenage OFW na muntik nang mamatay sa UAE dahil sa pagpatay sa kaniyang amo na nanggahasa sa kaniya. Sino ang mag-aakalang Christian recording artist na siya ngayon?

God will never use persons who are not willing to be used. You must first declare the words “God use me!” and mean it. Thereafter, always make yourself available. People with so many excuses can never follow God (Luke 14:33).

God can never use people who cannot acknowledge their weaknesses. God resists the proud and gives grace to humble (1 Peter 5:5). True ministers do not attempt to share with God’s glory. We are called to be servants. Ang unang layunin ng isang lingkod ay paglingkuran ang kaniyang Panginoon. Hindi siya dapat maghangad na maging kapantay ng kaniyang amo. Pride can never be compatible with God’s service.

Hindi ang mayayaman, ang matatalino at matataas ang estado sa buhay ang laging sinamahan ng Panginoon nang siya ay magministeryo sa daigdig. Hindi matatalino ang mga apostol. Mangingisda ang marami sa kanila at walang kayamanan sa buhay.

Ngunit, bakit sila ang pinili ng Panginoon?

Ito ay dahil sila ang magpapaningning sa pangalan ng Diyos. Ang kanilang mga kahinaan ang magpapakilala sa ibang tao na ang Diyos ay kayang bumago ng buhay. Man’s weakness is God’s instrument to show His power and glory. Sa kanilang tagumpay, hindi nila maaring sambitin na sila ang may gawa ng lahat ng tagumpay. Ang lahat ng kanilang matatamong katanyagan, kayamanan at karangalan ay hindi nila kayang angkinin dahil LAHAT ng iyon ay mula sa Diyos na bumago ng kanilang buhay.

I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10-GNB)

Five Moral Fences (against Adultery) by James MacDonald

James MacDonald is founding pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel

Fact: Some kids like to play "near the edge," and some kids don't. I always did! Whether the "edge" was rock jumping into a cool mountain lake or "bumper jumping" moving cars to slide along an icy winter street, the potential of peril invigorated me.

But "when I became a man, I put away childish things" (1 Cor. 13:11). I was a pastor and in seminary when the moral failures of the late '80's hit the news. In addition to the big names, I heard a shocking number of similar tragedies from my own circle of pastor/friends.

One Sunday night in 1987 I remember crying all the way to church. I was terrified. I asked over and over, "How does this happen? Could this happen to me? How can I protect myself, my family, and my ministry from the devastation a moral failure would cause? How can I keep myself pure when men better than me are falling like flies?"

As I prayed it through, I figured that those who fell morally must have disregarded the warning signs. They didn't go from Spirit-led to stepping off the cliff in one day. They must have crashed some social barriers before their slippage became sexual.

Where is that line? I wondered, And how can I make sure I never cross it? I knew I had to make my decisions early and my standards public so that others would know when I was "playing near the edge." I was determined that, by God's grace, I would not take the plunge. So I set some boundaries of behavior.

I remembered an incident back in Bible college when the college president would not give my (young, beautiful) fiancee a ride to our church almost two hours away when he came to speak. At first that seemed odd; now I was beginning to understand why.

Sexual temptation is
where we are held least
accountable and where
we can fall fastest.

I began to form my list of moral fences:

1. I will not, under any circumstances, ride alone in a car with a female other than my wife or an immediate family member. No lifts home for a church secretary, no baby sitters driven home late at night, no rides for teen girls in my student ministry, more recently no personal pickups for my daughter's girlfriends, no exceptions.

Recently while speaking out of town, I had to explain to my pastor friend why it would not work out for his wife to meet me and drive me over there. It has been awkward at times, but it's a beneficial discipline.

2. I do not counsel a woman in a closed room or more than once. No matter what the issue, counseling is an intimate activity, and when the subject matter itself becomes intimate, counseling the opposite sex is like playing with fire.

When our church was smaller, keeping this standard meant that some women had to seek counsel elsewhere and two or three left our church over my "fence." I was hurt at first, but it blessed my wife.

My time was better spent training a team of men and women to do the lighter counseling and then referring those with more complex issues to biblical counseling centers outside our church.

When I cannot avoid a second session with a woman in our church, I have my wife or another pastor join us. Pretty hard to commit adultery with someone you never spend time alone with.

3. I do not stay alone in a hotel overnight. I did my doctoral thesis on increasing the incidents of self-disclosure of sin among men. I have heard more confessions of addiction to various forms of sexual sin than any one pastor should have to hear, and it has changed me. It has left me deeply persuaded that "there but for the grace of God (and some moral fences), go I." I know myself too well.

Lengthy, unaccountable hours with manifold temptations available is a recipe for failure. Romans 13:14 instructs us to "make no provision for the flesh." Do I sound weak? I am! And when I forget that weakness, I cease to know God's strength (1 Cor. 12:10).

When I travel, I travel with someone. When that is impossible, I stay with a friend. When that is impossible I do not go. Period.

Early in my ministry, that meant there were things I missed out on. Recently our elders have agreed to help fund a travel partner for me. If an outside ministry opportunity is deemed worthwhile, and the ministry cannot afford a second airfare, our church pays for me to take another pastor or elder, or best of all, my wife!

4. I speak often and publicly of my affection for my wife, when she's present and when she's not. Marriages that are failing often become silent in public before they become loudly negative. If a pastor neglects publicly affirming his wife, it may reveal a private deterioration of that relationship.

I have tried to develop close friends who consistently monitor the way I refer to and interact with my wife. I know some men in our church feel the heat because I am so publicly wild about my wife of 16 years, but maybe that's good for them.

5. Compliment the character or the conduct, not the coiffure or the clothing. I'm still working on this one. As our church has grown, and I don't know everybody personally, the power of a compliment has become a problem. As pastors we love people and want to be an encouragement. Formerly, if I noticed that Shelly had a new dress or Susan had changed her hair I would compliment her on that. I felt it was harmless. If it seemed to meet a need and I meant it sincerely, I thought, No harm done.

But more recently I have seen that this seemingly innocent gesture can have far more impact than I ever intended. Now I'm trying to restrict my compliments to character and conduct. I get to use my gift of encouragement, but I focus on the things God is doing in a person's life and not the externals that are so easily misunderstood.

Make the fences public

The fence is useless if I can take it down any time my sinful heart desires. To make it work, those around me must understand the fences and be willing to tell me if they see one broken down. I periodically weave the fences into a sermon.

My most recent example was a message on "Meeting God in Moral Failure." When the message came to the "how to prevent" part, I simply explained my five moral fences.

At the staff level, we require the fences to be maintained. From pastors to ministry leaders, custodians to bookstore personnel, every paid staff member is held to this standard. A former singles pastor found it very difficult not to have lunch alone with women in his ministry, claiming he "forgot." Eventually we told him we would "forget" to pay him if he "forgot" again.

Isn't this legalism?

This is not legalism. Legalism is when we judge another's spirituality based on man-made rules. We are not judging anyone's heart for the Lord. We are simply reasoning together how we can remain pure and faithful in our commitments to God and family.

Of course, Christian morality involves far more than righteous sexuality. Money and power have often been observed to destroy ministers and ministries. However, decisions about money and power are more public. People see the kind of car I drive, the clothes I wear, the vacations I take, and the home I live in.

People also observe the ways I use my influence over others. If I become powerdriven rather than servant-oriented, if I lord my authority over others and abuse my position, people will "vote with their feet."

With both money and power, there is a broad public accountability that is a "fence" of sorts. Beyond that most of us have elders and/or deacons who monitor the way we use power and money in the church. I account regularly for the way I use my influence and am excluded almost completely from the money matters of ministry.

Yet none of these co-leaders can monitor my sexual purity. It stands alone as a purely private matter capable of instantly destroying my ministry.

Moral fences are most needed in the area of sexual temptation because it is here we are held least accountable and it is here we can fall fastest.

What about solo sexual sin?

The fiercest battle for sexual purity is fought in the mind, what I look at, and what I think about. Moral fences may protect me from the act of adultery, but what protects a minister from the mental/emotional infidelity Jesus warns of (Matt. 5:28)?

My resume in these matters is certainly not spotless, but I have found great help in weekly accountability from my men's small group, which asks specific questions about Internet usage, television/movies viewed, and magazines read.

Knowing that within days my brothers will ask me point blank, "Have you set anything unclean before your eyes this week?" (Ps. 101:3) has been a strong deterrent.

Above reproach

In both Timothy and Titus, Paul instructs leaders in Christ's church to be above reproach. That is, our conduct must be such that it would be difficult, even for those who oppose our ministry, to bring an accusation against us. Many a pastor has had his ministry destroyed over accusations that could not be proven false, though they were.

Our congregation is comforted in knowing that our ministry team is seeking to protect themselves and the church from moral failure. By identifying the behaviors that lead to moral problems and avoiding them, we embrace the wisdom of Proverbs 4:26 to "ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established."

Of course, the standards themselves are not in any way righteous. They are only a protection against potentially overwhelming temptation.

Last summer on our family vacation, we drove through some very high, single lane, mountain passes. The road was narrow and the drop-off immense. I drove slowly and hugged the mountain! I kept my eyes on the road and refused to look down, but I'm still glad the guard rails were there.

Bakit Hindi Nagkakanser ang Puso

(Salin ng Why the Heart Never Develops Cancer ni Bill Mohr ni Joel Ariate, isang kaibigan at katrabaho)

Isa sa mga hiwaga ng katawan ay kung bakit hindi nagkakakanser ang puso. Bawat iba pang organo sa katawan--tiyan, balat, utak, baga, atay--maaaring magkakanser, pero ang puso paulit-ulit pinipiga ang sarili nang wala man lang bahid ng pagkakasakit. Para bagang
isa itong pugon at anumang nakakakanser na pumasok dito ay agad na nalulusaw sa init ng pulso nito. Sa isang banda, nasa imahinasyon lamang ang sarap na nalalasap ng puso. Ang
balat, ang tiyan, ang baga--lahat ng organong ito ay kayang sumaya sa senswal na buhay: ang init ng araw, ang masaganang hain ng gulay at karne, de kalidad na sigarilyo, at dahil dito nagiging mahina sila.Tanging ang dugo lamang natin ang kasama ng ating puso. Ang dugo, tulad ng puso, hindi rin tuwirang nakadarama ng sarap at hindi rin nagdadala ginhawa
sa puso, itinatanggi nitong may iba pang halaga ang katawan liban sa isang komportableng lugar ng paggawa. Ang puso, tulad ng mismong bugso ng buhay, ay ganap na impersonal. Walang pakialam ang puso sa nangyayari sa katawan. Nand'yan ito upang buong sipag na magtrabaho sa pinakamatagal na posibleng panahon at bilang kapalit sa pagtanggap ng
katawan sa walang-pakialam nitong katapatan, hindi nito tinatraydor ang katawan
sa pamamagitan ng pagkain dito ng selyula sa selyula.

Quiz Bee and Divine Wisdom

Nakakatuwang isipin na muli nanaman akong sasabak sa Quiz Bee competitions. Ang huling sinalihan ko ay noong ako ay nasa fourth year high school pa. I was assigned to mentor one of the best students of DLSU-Manila, si Louie Merced.

Quiz Bee competitions promote the importance of knowledge, character and hard work. Ang pagpanalo sa isang Quiz Bee competition ay hindi makukuha sa isang buwang intensive review. Katulad ng pagpasa sa Bar Exam, ang pagiging quizzer ay isang "lifestyle". Those who really desire to be winners should always read books, magazines and develop good study habits. There are not shortcuts to success. May tatlong importanteng bagay na itinuturo ang Bibliya pagdating sa pagiging MATALINO.

God desires all men to know and absorb HIS wisdom. Hosea 4:6 states that many people perish because of lack of knowledge. Marami ang nagkakamali sa kanilang desisyon sa buhay dahil sa hindi sila lumalapit sa nagbibigay ng tunay na karunungan. Ilan sa mga Bible verses na kailangan nating tandaan:

• The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. (Psalm 111:10 KJV)
• So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12 NASB)
• For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6 NIV)
• But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NASB)
• Wisdom is a tree of life to those who eat her fruit; happy is the man who keeps on eating it. (Proverbs 3:18 TLB)
• A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. (Proverbs 1:5 KJV)
• Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand. (Proverbs 8:1-2 NIV)
• Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes, and I shall observe it to the end. (Psalm 119:33 NASB)

Bago kami sumabak sa unang kumpetisyon, sinabi ko kay Louie, "We will win for God's glory." And God proved Himself faithful to His promise. True knowledge starts with the recognition that we should depend on God in everything that we do.

Father's Love Letter (from the famous video)

My Child…

You may not know me, but I know everything about you
…Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up
…Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways
…Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered
…Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image
…Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being
…Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring
…Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived
…Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation
…Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book
…Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live
…Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
…Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb
…Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born
…Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me
…John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love
…1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you
…1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father
…1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could
…Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father
…Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand
…James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs
…Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope
…Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love
…Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore
...Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing
…Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you
…Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession
…Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul
…Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things
…Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me
…Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart
…Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires
…Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine
…Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager
…2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles
…2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you
…Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart
…Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes
…Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth
…Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus
…John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed
…John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being
…Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you
…Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins
…2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled
…2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you
…1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love
…Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me
…1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again
…Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen
…Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father
…Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child?
…John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you
…Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad. Almighty God

HEALER Composer, Michael Guglielmucci, nagsinungaling tungkol sa sakit...

This is the second shocking news I received this week after the case of Todd Bentley...God's grace is really good. He touched the song despite the weaknesses of the composer...Read on...

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“THE disgraced pastor at the centre of a fake cancer scandal has spoken for the first time about his “secret life of sin”.

But fallen pastor Michael Guglielmucci only released a brief statement to explain his actions, four days after The Advertiser revealed the truth of his two-year web of lies.

The statement was read to a packed congregation at a pentecostal church his father, Danny Guglielmucci, founded - Edge Church International at Reynella.

Mr Guglielmucci says the reason behind his fictitious cancer story was to hide his 16-year obsession with pornography.

“It is with much pain and sadness that I make this statement today,” he said in the statement.

“For over 16 years I have struggled with an addition to adult pornography as a result of this secret life of sin my body would often breakdown.

“I’d report the cause of my symptoms simply as illnesses and I’ve thrown my life into a ministry for many years trying to compensate for my sin.

“I believe that I do love Jesus and I know that he loves me and it is this love along with the prayers of people around the world that bring me to this place of confession.

“Two years ago, I reported that I was suffering from cancer, the truth is that although I was ill I did not have cancer but was again using the misdiagnosis to hid the lie that I was living.

“I know in my heart that it is the truth alone that will set me free and this is the reason for my confession.

“I’ve dishonoured God, my wife, my family and the church and I take full responsibility for my actions and would like to make it very clear that no-one else was in any way aware of my double life.

“I’m fully commited to a process of discipline, recovery and restitution and will see this process through to what ever extent is necessary.

“I am deeply sorry and pray that you will find it in your hearts to forgive me.

“Currently I am undergoing professional medical assessment and evaluation to help identify and begin to treat the real and much deeper issues.

“Please continue to pray for my wife and I and my family as we have a long, hard road ahead of us but a road that I’m thankful to God that I’m finally walking.”

THE Sunday Mail revealed today that Guglielmucci has been addicted to pornography since the age of 12.

The disgraced pastor’s father Danny Guglielmucci said the “severe addiction to pornography” was part of a bizarre double life his son had been leading.

Mr Guglielmucci said Michael had made a full confession to his family about his past, including revelations about the 16-year porn obsession and the lies over his supposed battle with terminal illness.

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Mail this week, Mr Guglielmucci also revealed:

HIS son has been suffering “mystery illnesses” since the age of 12.

DOCTORS gave his parents the option of admitting him to a psychiatric ward for assessment as a child over the ongoing “illnesses”, but they refused.

THE family’s “absolute shock” at discovering Michael was not terminally ill.

Mr Guglielmucci said he and wife Sharonne – who founded Edge Church International – were struggling to comprehend what their son had done.

“When (Michael) rang me last Tuesday, I was on my way to New Zealand,” Mr Guglielmucci said.

“He said, ‘Dad you’ve got to come and see me’.

“I said to my wife, ‘Maybe the doctors have told him he’s only got a few weeks to live’.

“So we cancelled everything and jumped on the plane and went to see him in Melbourne, and that’s when he told us the story.

“We were just in absolute shock and we still are. We haven’t had time to get our head around it. He said, ‘I don’t have cancer. I’ve had two lives that I’ve lived’.

“His wife (Amanda), who has been with him for seven years, found out the day before we did and she’s had no idea.

“Michael has had a severe addiction to pornography. The addiction to pornography started when he was 12.

“It’s horrendous because we don’t have that sort of stuff around. He was raised in a Christian home; we’ve never brought that stuff into our home.”

Michael Guglielmucci was one of Australia’s highest-profile Christian preachers, inspiring hundreds of thousands around the world as he performed his hit song Healer with an oxygen tube in his nose.

He was a pastor with Planetshakers, Christian youth movement that began in Adelaide and has grown into an international ministry. Guglielmucci was based in Melbourne.

But that all came crashing down this week when his deception became public.

Mr Guglielmucci said his son finally confessed after the guilt of his lies and addiction became overwhelming.

“He lived the two lives and he would get sick as a result of the guilt,” he said.

“He was feeling like he was letting God down, letting his family down, his church, his friends.

“He’s been living this for so long, feeling like he’s had these two lives and now he’s the one that’s come out in the open. He confessed it, he didn’t get caught.

“To deal with the guilt he would pour himself into doing good work. He’s touched the lives of young people all over the world. Now they are all affected by this.

“He hasn’t done this for any reasons that have been portrayed that he’s a fraud.

“It was either keep pretending or come out with the truth and tell everything. He’s come out with everything but now we’ve got the consequences of it all.

“We have to accept it. We’re hoping to share with our congregation how it all started and how it got where it is.

“We understand people’s anger, we understand their questioning.

“There’s so many questions.

“An addiction like this is not going to be fixed overnight. You can’t have a 16-year problem and fix it in a week.”

Mr Guglielmucci said his son was undergoing psychiatric assessment with Adelaide doctors.

“They have said to me that he is very ill. They are assessing where reality stopped and fantasy kicked in and what’s caused all this,” he said.

“The doctor believes that at times Michael was totally convinced that he had this sickness.”

Mr Guglielmucci said his son had a long history of “mystery illnesses”, starting in childhood.

“When he was about 12 he did vomit all the time, he’d get really really sick,” he said.

“He was in the Adelaide Children’s Hospital for seven weeks at one stage; he didn’t eat and we thought we were going to lose him.

“They took out his appendix, thinking that it might be that, but they realised that it wasn’t.

“They gave us the option of putting him in a psychiatric ward to see if there was something psychological but we felt uncomfortable with that at the time.

“We signed him out from hospital and then he would go a few months and then he would get sick again.

“We’d always take him to hospital; we’d always do the proper thing but they couldn’t get to the bottom of it until now.”

Mr Guglielmucci said he and his wife were in “absolute shock” to discover their son was not terminally ill.

“We have watched our son go through what we thought was cancer,” he said. “My wife and I, over the past two years, have watched him vomit in buckets, having nosebleeds, and even his hair fell out in clumps at one stage.

“Every time we saw him, we saw symptoms. He stayed with us for a while where we had to put a special air-conditioner in one of the rooms because he would heat up so much in the middle of winter.

“He had this cold air-conditioner blowing on him to try to keep the heat down. As a professional minister I’ve stood in front of my congregation and cried and said to pray for my son.

“I’ve travelled the world asking people to pray for him. Can you imagine what a horrible thing it would be if I was playing a game?

“To be honest, I ask myself as a father, `What did I miss, what did I not do? What could I have done better?’ ”

Mr Guglielmucci said Michael’s wife was “getting really good counselling”.

“She’s not made any decision at this point,” he said.

“It’s happened so quickly. There’s so many questions.”

The Rise and Fall of Todd Bentley

Sino si Todd Bentley? Siya ang naging sentro ng tinatawag na Lakeland Revival sa Florida. Minsan siyang inimbitahan ng pastor ng Ignited Church, si Pastor Stephen Strader, upang magsalita sa kaniyang kongregasyon. Sa halip na limang araw lamang magsasalita si Bentley, umabot ng tatlong buwan nang magsimula ang Revival noong April 2008. Ang Lakeland Revival ang sinasabing unang "ONLINE REVIVAL" dahil sa malawakang paggamit sa Internet (GodTV.com). Maraming nagpadala ng kanilang mga patotoo at nakaramdam ng kagalingan mula sa mga nanonood sa Internet. Ilan na dito ang mga kaso ng pagkabuhay mula sa patay ng mahigit isang dosenang tao.

Naging instant celebrity si Todd sa maraming bagay. Una, binago niya ang imahe ng isang tipikal na pastor sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang mga hikaw at mga tattoo. Pangalawa, nakilala siya sa kaniyang mga “BAM! BAM!” declarations sa tuwing pinapanalangin ang mga maysakit. Pangatlo, kakaiba siya kung manguna sa mga revival services—minsan humihiga sa stage, nagtatakbo, sumisigaw nang bigla at kung anu-ano pa. Nasilip pa siya ng maraming church leaders sa America dahil sa kaniyang sinabing pakikipag-usap sa isang anghel na Emma ang pangalan. At panghuli, sa loob ng anim na buwan na pangunguna sa revival meetings, napag-alaman na siya at ang kaniyang asawang si Shonnah ay maghihiwalay dahil sa lumabas na resulta ng imbestigasyo ng Board of Director ng Ignited Church—nagkaroong extra-marital affair si Todd. Kung kaya, maibibilang na si Todd sa mga high profile cases na gumulantang sa Body of Christ sa mga nagdaang panahon---Ted Haggard ng New Life Church, Roberts Liardon, Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker at marami pang iba.

Ano ang itinuturo sa ating ng naging karanasan ni Todd? May ilang bagay tayong kailangang maunawaan.

1.Sabihin man ng iba na napaka-unorthodox ng mga ginagawa ni Todd sa kaniyang mga revival meetings, iyon ang nagpapakita na gumagalaw ang Banal na Espiritu. Sa panonood ko ng mga services sa Youtube, isa lang ang napansin ko—hindi na si Todd ang may kontrol sa mga nangyayari kung hindi ang Diyos na ginustong mapaabot sa buong mundo ang kaniyang kadakilaan.

2. Lahat ng tao ay maaring gamitin ng Diyos upang maging instrumento ng kaniyang kapangyarihan. Hindi Siya tumitingin sa panlabas na katangian ng sinuman kung hindi sa pusong handang maglingkod. Hindi maganda ang nakaraan ni Todd—dati siyang magnanakaw, nagkaroon ng kaso ng sexual assault, mula sa isang sirang pamilya at marami pang negatibong karanasan. Ganunpaman, kayang ayusin ng Diyos ang anumang magulong buhay. We can all be vessels of His glory. No one has the monopoly of the power of God. Kung kaya, kahit hindi na makakasama si Todd sa mga revival meetings, tuloy pa rin ang mga pagtitipon sa Ignited Church.

3.Those who were chosen by God to start a revival must also listen to other Christian leaders. Maraming mga lider-Kristiyano ang nagbigay ng kanilang payo kay Todd tungkol sa mga maling sistema ng kaniyang mga pagtitipon. Kabilang sa mga pastor na nagpayo sina John Piper at ang editor ng Voice Magazine na si Jonas Clark. Sinabi nilang hindi pa handa sa isang napakalaking gawain si Todd kung kaya ang paghihirang sa kaniya bilang “apostle to the nation” ay isang bagay na minadali. Pinatunayan ito ng mga pangyayari. Madalas, nakatuon sa GIFT ang mga tao, hindi sa GIVER OF GIFT. My sense is, many leaders were overwhelmed by the ministry of Todd that they anointed and commissioned him to be an apostle.

4.Nakakalungkot isipin na maaring makalusot ang kaaway sa kampo ng mga Kristiyano. Ano ang dahilan? KASALANAN. Kahit gaano katindi ang “anointing” ng Diyos sa isang ministeryo, kung naroroon ang kasalanan, hindi kailanman magtatagal ang anumang revival. Your sin will surely find you.

5.Christian leaders should be persons of integrity if they want to maintain the full spiritual protection and blessings of God. Leaders have greater responsibilities because they represent God’s authority. Ang pagbagsak ng isang pastor ay may malaking epekto sa mga taong nagiging bahagi ng isang iglesya. Marami sa mga dumalo sa mga revival meetings ni Bentley ay kasalukuyang nagtatanong kung sa Diyos ba talaga o hindi ang naganap sa mga pagtitipon. Marami ang nagalit. Marami din ang nalito. Dahil sa nangyari, ilan sa mga naka-schedule na revival meetings ni Todd ay kinansela.

Isa sa mga naging inspirasyon ko noong ako ay nagsisimula sa ministeryo si Smith Wigglesworth, ang ginamit ng Panginoon upang magsimula ng revival sa Yorkshire, England sa mga unang taon ng 1900s. Sa isang biography na isinulat ng kaniyang manugang, sinabi nitong minsang umiyak ang kaniyang biyenan sabay sabing kailangan na niya nang lisanin ang daigdig. Bakit niya sinabi iyon? Ito ay dahil marami nang tao ang nakatuon sa kaniya at hindi sa Panginoon.

We must understand that the Lakeland Revival is not about the Bentleys or any other ministries, it’s all about Jesus. Hindi kailanman papayagan ng Diyos na agawin ninuman ang kaniyang kaluwalhatian.

Thomas Zimmerman, former superintendent of the Assemblies of God once compared the Holy Spirit to a mighty river, and the Scriptures to the banks of that river. He said that problems will surely manifest if the river overruns the banks.

CRISTIANONG AKTIBISTA?

Nag-aral ako sa isang unibersidad na labis na pinahahalagahan ang pagmamahal sa bayan. Sa tuwing may matitinding isyung panlipunan at pampulitika na kailangang pag-usapan, normal na lumabas ang mga estudyante mula sa kani-kanilang kuwarto, bitbitin ang malalaking streamers, iwagayway ang mga placards, gamitin ang malalakas na megaphone, magmartsa sa corridors at ihayag sa lansangan ang pagkadismaya sa itinuturing na “bulok” at “mapaniil” na sistema ng lipunan. Isang mahalagang elemento ng lipunan at demokrasya ang kultura ng aktibismo. Sa pamamagitan ng malayang pag-uusap ukol sa mga isyung nakakaapekto sa mga mamamayan, mas nagiging sensitibo ang mga namumuno sa pamahalaan sa pulso ng bayan. Kung hindi natin sasabihin ang ating mga nararamdaman sa ating mga lider, mas malaki ang posibilidad na masunod ang inaakala lang nilang tama na maaring humantong sa pag-abuso ng kanilang kapangyarihan.

James 4:17 (MKJV) states “Therefore to him who knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is sin.” Kung kailangan nating gawin ang isang bagay at hindi natin ito ginagawa, nagkakasala tayo sa Diyos. Maraming Cristiano ang nagbubulag-bulagan sa mga kasamaan sa kanilang paligid. We must understand that if we do nothing to stop evil, we are considered accomplice of the devil. As Edmund Burke once declared, for evil men to triumph, let good men do nothing.

FROM WITHIN OR WITHOUT?
Several people (including church leaders and ministers) have depicted politics as the ‘territory of the unbelievers’. It is necessary for Christians not to distance themselves from the affairs of the government. When Christians abandon their moral responsibility to influence society with their values, other influences will fill the gap. Isang paraan upang mabago natin ang ating masamang sistema ng pamamahala ay maging bahagi mismo tayo ng gobyerno.

May isang malaking katanungang: saan mas epektibong makakaimpluwensiya ang mga Cristiano sa mga usaping panlipunan? Sa loob ba ng Kongreso at Malacanang o sa labas ng kalye? Ang aking sagot: pareho. Kung tinatawag ang isang Cristiano upang maging mambabatas o pulitiko (batay sa kaniyang karanasan at kakayahan), kailangan niyang sundin ang ipinagkaloob sa kaniyang misyon ng Panginoon. Pero hindi lahat ay tinawag sa ganitong misyon. Huwag nang magpilit ang mga taong mas epektibo sa loob ng iglesya na pumasok pa ng pulitika. Siguraduhing tinatawag ng Diyos na maging lingkod sa pamahalaan bago suungin ang anumang laban sa pulitika. Ganundin, kailangang magbantay din ang mga Cristianong hindi bahagi ng mga pormal na proseso ng pamamahala.

The transformation of a nation depends on people who lead the government. Gumagawa ng batas ang mga lider ng ating bansa dahil gusto nilang mapabuti ang bayan. We must understand that all legislative acts and laws are moral in nature. Hindi puwedeng ihiwalay ng mga mambabatas ang kanilang pagpapahalaga at moralidad sa pagbuo ng mga polisiya ng pamahalaan. Kung walang Cristianong makikialam sa pamahalaan, malaki ang posibilidad na mamamayani ang mga batas na kakalaban sa katwiran at kabanalan ng Diyos.

Maraming tao ang mas madaling nakikita ang dumi at kasamaan ng pamahalaan subalit wala naman silang ginagawa upang solusyunan and problema. Hence, Christians should get involved in the Government. To abandon the idea is to miss the mandate of God to the Church as a whole. Politicians can legislate laws for the common good of the people but they cannot abolish evil and change the inner beings of men. Kailangan ng pamahalaan ng mga Cristianong babago sa mga pagpapahalaga sa pamahalaan at magtataguyod ng mga mabubuting prinsipyo ng Panginoon sa lipunan.

THE PITFALLS OF TOO MUCH ACTIVISM
Social activism has been a contentious issue among the youth, especially university and college students. Ang iba ayaw mabansagan na kasama ng mga tagapagtaguyod ng iba’t ibang –ismo (sosyalismo, komunismo, anarkismo). Kakabit kasi ng mga –ismong ito ang karahasan, pamumundok (paglubog sa kanilang termino) at negatibong kaisipan laban sa pamahalaan. Marami akong kaibigan na hindi na nakatapos ng pag-aaral dahil sa labis na pakikisangkot sa isyung panlipunan—rally dito, rally doon, rally kahit saan. Ang ilan sa kanila ay nasa hitlist pa ng mga pulis at militar. May sari-sarili silang dahilan. GANUNPAMAN, may ilang kadahilanan kung bakit kailangang maghinay-hinay ang mga kabataan pagdating sa aktibismo. Ilan lamang ang mga bagay na sumusunod sa mga bagay na hindi maiiwasan.

Galit at Poot -Hindi puwedeng sabihin ng isang kabataang aktibista na hindi sila nakararamdam ng matinding galit sa mga tao o institusyong kanilang kinakalaban. Kakabit ng anumang protesta ang matinding emosyon ng pagkasuklam, pagkabagot o kaya ay pagkadismaya. Sinabi ng Panginoon na mahalin natin ang ating mga kaaway sa pamamagitan ng pananalangin sa kanila. Ilapit natin sila sa Diyos na siyang maaring bumago ng kanilang puso. Isa sa kailangan nating iwasan ay maging biktima tayo ng galit at maling pagpapahayag ng ating saloobin. Hindi maiiwasang maging marahas ang pagpapahayag ng mga aktibista ng kanilang posisyon lalo na kung nahaharap sa mga dispersal team ng mga pulis at maykapangyarihan. Kung ganito ang mangyayari, nilalabag na natin ang utos ng Panginoon na we should not repay anyone evil for evil. Also, how can we manifest patience and kindness kung lagi tayong galit?

Compromises and Unholy Alliances -Ang hindi matalinong pakikisangkot sa pulitika ay puno ng panganib. It can lead to personal compromises and unholy alliances. Magiging kalapit natin ang mga taong hindi naniniwala sa kapangyarihan ng Diyos na baguhin ang bansa dahil mas nakatuon sila sa personal na krusada upang baguhin ang sistema ng lipunan. Dahil kasama natin sila, hindi maiiwasan na isakripisyo natin ang ating paniniwala para manatili ang ating pagsama sa grupo. Maari ring maubos ang ating panahon sa pakikipagdebate sa mga taong sana’y binabahaginan natin ng kaligtasan ng Diyos. We may be focused on secondary matters.

Karahasan -Isa sa mga saliwang paniniwala ng ilang social revolutionaries ay ang paggamit ng karahasan upang matamo ang kanilang layunin. The Bible never supports this idea. Armed revolution was never condoned by Christ during His earthly ministry. We should never resort to violence or overt revolution. We should express our sentiments and grievances through peaceful means. If we live by the sword, we will surely die by the sword. Remember that Christians are called to be peacemakers not war initiators.

SOME GUIDELINES
Christians should never sacrifice their faith for the sake of a particular political or social ideology—right, left or center, for several reasons. Una, walang pinapanigang political group o party ang Diyos. Hindi natin puwedeng sabihing mas papaburan ng Panginoon ang isang partido dahil sa kaniyang posisyon. Walang kinakampihan ang Diyos maliban sa mga taong naninindigan sa katwiran, kabanalan at katarungan.

Pangalawa, walang maituturing na isang fixed political agenda ang Diyos. Ang ating posisyon ay dapat nakabase sa kung anong isyu ang pag-uusapan. Dito na pumapasok ang pansariling paniniwala ng mga Cristiano. Tandaan natin na maraming aspeto ng ating buhay kung saan sadyang tahimik ang Bibliya. We must realize that political judgments are subjective and relative. Mahirap bumuo ng isang tunay na Cristianong pananaw sa bawat isyu sa ating lipunan.

Pangatlo, kailangang maging matalino kung makikisangkot sa mga gawaing pampulitika. Politics is a messy process. Hindi maiiwasang kahit ang mga Cristiano ay magkabanggaan. Remember that our first identity is to be Christians. Saan man tayo ilagay ng Panginoon, kailangang mauna ang ating pagiging Cristiano. The diversity of our political persuasions and positions should not divide us as brothers and sisters in Christ. Nagkakaiba man tayo sa pananaw, kailangan nating maunawaan na tayo ay pare-parehong niligtas ng Panginoon mula sa pagiging makasalanan at may responsibilidad na ideklara ang kaniyang kabutihan sa lahat ng mga hindi mananampalataya. Kung tayo-tayo mismo ang magsasakmalan at maga-away na parang mga mababangis na hayop, mahihirapan tayong mapaniwala ang marami na tayo ay mga taga-sunod ni Cristo.

CHRISTIAN ACTIVISM
Christians should have a different way of addressing social issues. Our weapons are not carnal but spiritual. We destroy strongholds and false arguments mainly through spiritual means. Ang ating unang kinakalaban natin ay ang espiritung umaalipin sa mga tao kung bakit nagpapatuloy ang kasalanan. We must first change the hearts of men if we want to witness radical social change. Kinakalaban nito ang prinsipyo ng maraming aktibita na naniniwalang kailangang banggain at baguhin ang lipunan para mabago ang buhay ng lahat ng tao. Remember, Jesus was mainly concerned with spiritual conversion not the dismantling of social and political structures. This does not mean, however, that we should do nothing in reforming our institutions. We should also change the structures of society but this should be accomplished by people who have the righteousness of God. Kailangang mabago muna ang puso ng tao, bago tuluyang mabago ang lipunan. Changed hearts can lead to a changed nation. Where people are Christians, there will be less sin, more humanity and compassion, more public honesty, and better human relations. Ang mga makasalanan at hindi nakalulugod sa Diyos na mga ugali at tradisyon ay mas mababawasan kung hindi man tuluyang mawawala.

As God’s Spirit penetrates people’s hearts through the gospel, those people become new creatures. Ang pagbabago sa kanilang buhay ay positibong makakaapekto sa kanilang ginagawa saan man sila naroroon. Walang bagay sa mundo na hindi pag-aari ng Diyos. Christians, therefore, should settle for nothing else than the comprehensive lordship of Jesus Christ. Ang pagbabago ay kailangang maganap sa espiritwal na dimensiyon ng lipunan. We must bring every thought captive to the Lord. Every human institution must acknowledge him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I therefore define "Christian activism" as a “righteous attempt of Christians to promote God-pleasing principles and values in the secular world, in a peaceful and righteous manner.” Ang pinakadakilang pamamaraan nito ay ang ibahagi ang Mabuting Balita ng Kaligtasan sa lahat ng tao. Bagaman, makakatulong ang pagpunta sa mga rallies and demonstrations at magsisigaw sa kalye para maipahiwatig ang ating mga posisyon sa iba’t ibang isyu, mas kailangang unahin ng mga Cristiano na ipahayag ang Mabuting Balita ng Kaligtasan na siyang babago sa mga taong mamumuno sa ating lipunan. Anuman ang ating ginagawa, kailangang laging napaparangalan at nalulugod ang Diyos. Bago sumama sa anumang kilos-protesta, kailangang iniluhod ito sa panalangin at pakikipagniig sa Panginoon. Since we are advancing and promoting a spiritual kingdom, we must always be led by the Holy Spirit in everything that we do.

Ninoy Aquino's Undelivered Speech

I have returned on my free will to join the ranks of those struggling to restore our rights and freedoms through nonviolence.

I seek no confrontation. I only pray and will strive for a genuine national reconciliation founded on justice.

I am prepared for the worst, and have decided against the advice of my mother, my spiritual adviser, many of my tested friends and a few of my most valued political mentors.

A death sentence awaits me. Two more subversion charges, both calling for death penalties, have been filed since I left three years ago and are now pending with the courts.

I could have opted to seek political asylum in America, but I feel it is my duty, as it is the duty of every Filipino, to suffer with his people especially in time of crisis.

I never sought nor have I been given assurances or promise of leniency by the regime. I return voluntarily armed only with a clear conscience and fortified in the faith that in the end justice will emerge triumphant.

According to Gandhi, the WILLING sacrifice of the innocent is the most powerful answer to insolent tyranny that has yet been conceived by God and man.

Three years ago when I left for an emergency heart bypass operation, I hoped and prayed that the rights and freedoms of our people would soon be restored, that living conditions would improve and that blood-letting would stop.

Rather than move forward, we have moved backward. The killings have increased, the economy has taken a turn for the worse and the human rights situation has deteriorated.

During the martial law period, the Supreme Court heard petitions for Habeas Corpus. It is most ironic, after martial law has allegedly been lifted, that the Supreme Court last April ruled it can no longer entertain petitions for Habeas Corpus for persons detained under a Presidential Commitment Order, which covers all so-called national security cases and which under present circumstances can cover almost anything.

The country is far advanced in her times of trouble. Economic, social and political problems bedevil the Filipino. These problems may be surmounted if we are united. But we can be united only if all the rights and freedoms enjoyed before September 21, 1972 are fully restored.

The Filipino asks for nothing more, but will surely accept nothing less, than all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the 1935 Constitution -- the most sacred legacies from the Founding Fathers.

Yes, the Filipino is patient, but there is a limit to his patience. Must we wait until that patience snaps?

The nation-wide rebellion is escalating and threatens to explode into a bloody revolution. There is a growing cadre of young Filipinos who have finally come to realize that freedom is never granted, it is taken. Must we relive the agonies and the blood-letting of the past that brought forth our Republic or can we sit down as brothers and sisters and discuss our differences with reason and goodwill?

I have often wondered how many disputes could have been settled easily had the disputants only dared to define their terms.

So as to leave no room for misunderstanding, I shall define my terms:

1. Six years ago, I was sentenced to die before a firing squad by a Military Tribunal whose jurisdiction I steadfastly refused to recognize. It is now time for the regime to decide. Order my IMMEDIATE EXECUTION OR SET ME FREE.

I was sentenced to die for allegedly being the leading communist leader. I am not a communist, never was and never will be.

2. National reconciliation and unity can be achieved but only with justice, including justice for our Muslim and Ifugao brothers. There can be no deal with a Dictator. No compromise with Dictatorship.

3. In a revolution there can really be no victors, only victims. We do not have to destroy in order to build.

4. Subversion stems from economic, social and political causes and will not be solved by purely military solutions; it can be curbed not with ever increasing repression but with a more equitable distribution of wealth, more democracy and more freedom, and

5. For the economy to get going once again, the workingman must be given his just and rightful share of his labor, and to the owners and managers must be restored the hope where there is so much uncertainty if not despair.

On one of the long corridors of Harvard University are carved in granite the words of Archibald Macleish:

"How shall freedom be defended? By arms when it is attacked by arms; by truth when it is attacked by lies; by democratic faith when it is attacked by authoritarian dogma. Always, and in the final act, by determination and faith."

I return from exile and to an uncertain future with only determination and faith to offer -- faith in our people and faith in God.