A RESPOND!!!

            The last topic that I will discuss and have some reaction within it is all about the social action of the churches. How it does affect in the community?
          Somewhere in the history the link between inner spirituality and its expression in the world as loving social action grew faint because some misuse it or perhaps misinterpret it. That's why it is a great challenge for all spiritual communities now to draw deeply on the substance of traditions yet we must recover the deep and essential connection between spirituality and social action.
          In ministering people, I learned and realized that we must present to them that they are cared of not on earthly and physical things by giving them food, clothing, shelter, justice and even education but it is should more clearly to them that we didn't do outreach just to make them convert in our religion but to help them in their physical and spiritual need. The Greatest Commandment as restated by Jesus in the Gospel summarizes concisely the purpose of man’s existence—which is to love God, to love our fellow man and to love ourselves. When we begin to understand that the three parallels, love for God, love for neighbor, and love for self, are the essence of God’s great design for human actions on earth, we will be driven to response.

PURIFIED ONCE AGAIN

          

                         We had so much learning towards our church history and one of that is the age of reformation wherein it tackles about a "purified church". In our era much practical thinking is driven by emotions. Emotions are enemies of fine distinctions. And yet the ethical and practical issues facing the church today demand precisely such fine distinctions if we are to do our task as pastors and church members: comfort the brokenhearted and rebuke those at ease in their sin. As a pastor and preacher, we must constantly brought these two things together in practical ways in every congregation wherein it is still founded of sound doctrine.
                         Today, many Christians are turning back to the puritans to "walk in the old paths," of God's word and to continue to proclaim old truth that glorifies Jesus Christ. There is no theology. In our electronic age, we can be a 'digital puritan" while maintaining biblical and sound theological position regarding God and Christianity. This must be applied in the church. 

Be Still

         This week we studied about the "Dark ages in the Roman Empire". In this era, we learned that there were famine, death, persecution, war and many demonic events. Many instances happened that because of great famine and starvation many people became cannibals. Well, it is only by the grace of God that the Christian s at that time able to survived and stand firm in the truth even in the peak of their death.

          I was pretty amazed by their faith and courage to overcome it and pass through it. When I put myself in their shoe, perhaps I suddenly give up my faith in order to survive. hen it made me realize to strengthen my faith day by day and able to share it to others. Constantly pray with it and to all the people who doesn't have yet the redemptive relationship with Christ our Savior.

Stand Firm

This week a man of church history namely Martin Luther truly inspires many believers to stand in the truth. His bold words had stirred our imagination and captived us in a broader sense. I admire his courage as he refused to recant and firmly stand of what we believe that we are saved by God and it is by grace through faith alone and on account of Christ alone and it made me to think that I should do otherwise. This rekindle us to firmly stand of our orthodox Faith in Christ for we all know that it is worth the risk. Although it is tough faith and a constant commitment to hang on and believe in God even if it is against all odds. And so we are too, can and should say," Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise". Stand up for Jesus.

KEEP THE FAITH BURNING

We cannot grasp the plan of God way back many years ago. Nevertheless, He never fail to be provident in the church history and He evidently reigns forever in His throne. Changes are continually going on within it and around it or even up until now His majestic plan will always prevail. As I reflected what was the things that had greatly contributed in my Christian walk as His providence from beginning to the end doesn't fail. His purpose that had been established will accomplish whatever He wants. As it teaches me that the truth is worth fighting for. As what our ancestors did before that there having a life of self-sacrifice and we should have this aim also to carry this truth. Whether in season or out of season we must always be ready to defend what we believe in for it is worth defending at all costs. We must guard the treasure which has been entrusted to us. We should take these commands seriously from the very beginning. On the flip side, it also provides us with great encouragement and a warning to be aware in any false teachings and prophets. More than that, it reminds me that we are not alone in facing this battle but as shoulder to shoulder with the other saints who have come before us it makes us stronger and firm. As an army of God we are ought to stand fast in the truth. Thus, the lessons that I’ve learned from this are endless and so much more.