Update

Due to existing Health protocols of discouraging gatherings of people, Lockdown in different areas and the increase of numbers of Covid-19 transmission in this city our Home Bible Study in my residence is not yet available. However, we can reach each other via messenger, FB, texting and printed materials that I am sending. Keep safe and may the Lord give you grace. If somebody is interested to study the word of truth rightly divided, just contact me and pm me. Thank you.

Everlasting Consolation

God knew already that in this world those who were called (2 Thess.2:14) will experience pains, sorrows, frustrations,difficulties and  heartaches (2 Co.4:8). Paul mentioned to us a secret ingredient in pressing on, because at times we grow weary. And it cannot be denied that we can easily entertain sadness and negative feelings. I have that attitude in my whole life. I admit I was wrong to do it because I do not fully understand what it is to be always entertaining those things.

2Th 2:16  Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

He is our daily supply of consolation- a reason not to be sad. I was reminded by this when I thought of comparing how great is our consolation to our trials in life. 

 

2Co 1:5  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

2Co 1:6  And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

2Co 1:7  And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

 

There are certainly many reasons that causes us to be sad, but there are even more reasons for us to paint our faces with a cheerful heart.

After The Typhoon

Typhoons are common visitors in our place.When I announced that I’m back, a visitor came and left many things broken. It happened last December 25th of 2016 when typhoon Nina came as uninvited visitor in our province. Up until this time there are still many localities in our province with no electricity. In this city where I am teaching, our school’s power line  is still down. There are still many lines needing repair before we are tapped to the main connections. But at least we feel it will soon be accomplished.

Some scenes on the 26th of December 2016

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Thanks be to God for sustaining us. As the scripture says in Ps.46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. “ Typhoons just come and go, but God and His grace for us remains. Thanks to those who prayed in behalf of us, of our country.

Attitude to Ministers

A believer’s attitude to God’s minister is vital in his walk. When you do not know what the word of God is saying concerning them, you can neglect them, or think of them, beyond what is written. Here are some ways to be properly guided if somebody is ministering to you. This should be your attitude to them. “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”1Co 4:6     

Get to Know them; “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”1Th.. 5:12-13 “For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.” 1Co. 16:18  

To love them: “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”1Th 5:12-13  

Obey them: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Heb. 13:17 “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” Php. 4:9   

Submit to them: “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.” 1Co 16:15-16  

Be Concern of them: “But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.” Eph 6:21-22  

Comfort them: “Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:”1Th. 3:7   

Give to them:  “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.”1Ti.5:17-18 “Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.”Php. 4:14-16 “Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.”Php. 2:25  “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”Gal. 6:6  

Remember them: “For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.”1Th. 2:9  “But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:”1Th. 3:6   

Rejoice with them: “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.”Php. 2:17-18  “And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.”Php. 1:25-26  

Honor / Respect them:“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.”1Ti. 5:17-18 “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”Php. 2:29-30  

Listen to them:  “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”1Th. 2:13   

Look to them as examples:  “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” Php. 3:17  “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.” 1Th. 1:6-7 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”Php. 4:9  “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.2Th. 3:7-9  

Be not ashamed of them: “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:”2Ti. 1:16   

Be of service to them:  “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.”2Ti. 1:16-18  

Salute or Greet them: Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.” Rom. 16:9  “All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. “Tit. 3:15  Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: “Rom. 16:3  Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.” Rom. 16:6  Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.” Rom. 16:12   

Accommodate them: “But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.” Phm. 1:22   

Pray for/ Pray with:  “Brethren, pray for us.”1Th. 5:25  “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:”2Th. 3:1  “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:”Col. 4:3  “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;”Rom. 15:30  Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.”Heb. 13:18  (See: Acts 21:5; Eph.6:18-19)  

Accompany them: “And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.”Acts 21:5  “And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.”Acts 15:3  “And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.”Acts 17:14-15  

Consult them:  “For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.”1Co. 1:11   

Forgive them: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”Eph. 4:32    Be one with them: “For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;” Php 1:5   

Receive them:  “And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.” Gal. 4:14  Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.” Php. 2:29-30  

Protect them: “But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.” Acts 9:24-25 “And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.” Acts 14:19-20 

Do not Despise them: “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Tit. 2:15  “And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.” Gal. 4:14   

Do not be suspicious of them:  “Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:” 2Co. 8:20   

To Care for them: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.” Php. 4:10   

Do not easily judge them but be fair to them:  “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” 1Ti. 5:19   

Do not withstood them or quarrel with them: “Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.  But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?  And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.” Acts 13:7-11

Do not exalt or worship them: “And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.” Acts 10:25-26  “And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the peopleWhich when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:” Acts 14:11-15  

Find out if what they are saying is according to God’s word:  “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11 

Tell them the truth: (Read Acts 5:1-11)

Scriptures quoted from the KJV.

The Blessing of being a Single

To remain single doesn’t mean loneliness. It is just the idea of this world that often looks down on the least or minority, or on a single individual. I do not intend to teach that this study is aimed at crossing the “No man is an island” reality. Living with somebody is a little different with living by yourself, and a lot different with living all alone. But why there’s a lot to rejoice when you remained single?

IT IS A GIFT

 “For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.” 1Co 7:7-8

Paul here is so positive despite the fact that he has no partner concerning the flesh. A partner is not just somebody who becomes your helpmate, but somebody you promised to build all your dreams as long as you breathes. In the case above, Paul has none, yet he dreamt of many things beyond our aspiration. He did many things, but he was never all alone. Consider the fact that he is single; it doesn’t make it any sense for him for having no wife beside him.

Paul by saying this verse does not teach celibacy for ministers. We can be reminded that one requirement for a bishop as told in 1 Tim.3:2; Tit. 1:6 is one with a wife. These verses are also written so that we can know part of what a devil’s doctrine is, and that is including forbidding to marry (1 Tim.4:1-3). The doctrine of celibacy for ministers by a certain groups is only a mere show in the flesh. In fact Paul said;

“Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?” 1Co 9:5

It is not true, that because you have a family, or you have a partner, that you are more blest than others who remained single. There is no scripture to back that up, rather, the opposite. But looking on what Paul said, we are told that it is a GIFT OF GOD. Imagine that singleness is gift to thank God for. Not everyone in this world has it, and many who found partners desired that they soon become one, or if not, they are questioning why they fall for a quick rush to be wed or in a relationship.

God saw something in you to be entrusted with that gift, and it is not that He denied you of something.

IT IS GOOD

 “I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.” 1Co 7:8 

“Nevertheless he that standeth steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.” 1Co 7:37

Here we can see that those with partners were slightly compared to a single or unmarried. There’s nothing bad in becoming single, it is not even forbidden, and according to the scripture, it is good. “Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;” 1Co 7:25-29

It is only due to the sufferings in this world that the married life has more concern, but if one has no wife or husband he has less distraction to attend unto the service of the Lord. It is like freedom from bondage and Paul advised this for a happier life.

“But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.” 1Co 7:40

When you are Single, you only have yourself to worry. Some people might argue with me on this statement, but I’m not speaking on the thought that you are a single who have many individuals depending on your independence. Next is that you only have yourself to work for, but I don’t mean you will be selfish. You can work and support or help others. You only have yourself to make worth. No one will blame you for what you can become unlike when you have partner, you are bound to live for her/him and your pleasure is not yours’.  “Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.  The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.” 1Co 7:3-4 

“…but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.” 1 Co.7:34

You have more freedom in doing things your own, though this doesn’t encourage you to be irresponsible, but when you are a single your responsibility is your own, you have a lot of freedom, especially concerning time, though in the world’s trend nowadays, more youths and single only have time for self and their pleasure. But a single life isn’t that good for such purpose because…

 IT HAS GOAL

“Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.”1Co.7:25

 

Your first goal is faithfulness. You have to remain steadfast because being a single is not without a challenge (36). You will pass through the test of time, but it does not require that you live a solitary life like those in monastery, for trials can come mostly in the time that you are by yourself.  “But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.” 1Co 7:36-37 

There are many people who were called to be single. They are servants of God (Rev.7:3-4) and they numbered to 144,000. You will be shocked to find that they lived this life which you might think as impossible for you, but others have done it though it was written to happen in the future time.

“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.

2And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

3And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

4These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

5And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.Rev 14:1-5

These people are servants of God. There are many things unique with them, not only that they were virgins, they are the only one who can sing the song, they follow the Lamb wherever He goes, and they are without fault before the throne of God. They serve the Lord without distraction. And this is also the other goal that Paul is saying. “And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.1Co 7:35 

“There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.” 1Co 7:34 

Paul was called by God and though a single, God accomplished many great things in his life with focus. Yes! He had great things to suffer as well (Acts 9:16), but it was overcame by his faithfulness. Be encouraged that you are not alone in God’s good gift and goal for you. You are blessed.

To download or read in PDF, Just Click The Blessing of Being a Single.

Scriptures quoted from the KJV.

Who told the Jews to face the wall when praying?

I believe that prayer is not limited to a single bodily position, nor to the closure or openness of one’s eyes. But who told the Jews to face the wall when praying? What’s the need to face the wall of the broken temple?

I found an example in the Scripture concerning facing the wall.ISJewFirstfruit

2Ki 20:1-3 “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.  Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,
 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.” 

We can see that during the Old Testament times, the Israelite have this attitude when praying. They look toward the temple or toward the wall or toward Jerusalem.

Dan 6:10  “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” 

(Isa 38:2) “Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,”

(Psa 5:7) “But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.”

(Psa 138:2)” I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”

(Eze 8:16) “And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD’S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.”

(Jon 2:4) “Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.”

Are they worshiping or praying? But Christ during His ministry said these words;

John 4:21-24 “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. ”

What about when the gospel was brought to the Gentiles? Will they allow the Gentiles to pray with them?

Find interesting articles in the Publication page

A new hearing about Christmas

In the Scriptures, you might be surprised to find out that true believers, which includes Paul, the twelve disciples, Mary and many others, did not even celebrate or observe Christmas. We just do not know the reason why, although we can just see that the reason was never written because it did not originate from God. However, there are many things to reflect upon in remembering Christ’s birth even if it is not surely on the 25th of December. You just have to reinvent your ways of sharing your love not just during this joyous Season. Most people are doing it as unto men, but we are told;

 

Col 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

 

Related articles:

What Christ didn’t have on His Birthday?

Life like playing Chess

Sent to Bethlehem

Songs and stories of Angels

Shepherds reminds us

Herod’s hypocrisy

Wise men for Jesus

What if Christ was not born?

Sent to bless you

The truth and lies of Christmas

Shine for Jesus

My encounter with ghost and spirits

This is my story concerning encounters with spirits sometimes disguised as ghosts. It happened before the celebration of Halloween, the All Saints Day and All Soul’s Day celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd. It is believed by some people that during these days ghosts and spirits are common visitors and I think I have to speak about something that happened four years ago. I don’t intend to scare you but just to inform you that they do exist for many bad cause. (I tried to upload this yesterday and even now but there’s always a problem). It took me many attempts before this article was successfully posted. 

Click this link  An encounter with a ghost and spirits   E10

Starting with 2,014 Steps

The END of the road is not where you should STOP walking, but it is the BEGINNING of STEPS to make  new paths.

 MANY are NOT HOPING for a BAD  END, but only FEW  are  HOPPING with a GOOD START.

Victories and defeats always compete in us.  But for what reason you are experiencing them is what  you should ask.

 Acts 20:24  “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

May you have favor with God and with man this 2014.

Some Ws about Christmas

 

Why Paul and other disciples, even Mary and brother in the flesh of our Lord, who knew exactly about the date, why we were not told that they remembered His first advent on a yearly basis?  

 And why they were not led to make observance surrounding that day when they are the one being led by the Spirit of the Lord?

 Which one do you celebrate most? Is it the Christmas or the Christ of your Christmas?

 Will you show me any basis from the Scriptures for celebrating it?

Read and download the truth and lies of Christmas

 Thank you.