I'm Amazed

I know you can sing this song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvF1QtgnurY

Food for E-Knowledge

As for now, internet and online community is growing rapidly. But do you know that, the more you interact with the internet, giving passwords and email address is like giving all information about you? Be aware of these things. Just by giving your password means giving all information about you.

At this point, I know I have not all the knowledge about Technical stuff and the like, but perhaps I have enough knowledge, knowing that one can use just a little information from you to know more about you. I have been reading a lot about hacking recently and found out a great deal with the net craze. As statistics also states that everyday websites are easily hacked and infiltrated, which may prove on the site we are working on.

In other words, personal privacy on the internet might be at risk. Or in more other words, you can be easily spied on. The word spy defines as “watching secretly”. Far more about spying is stealing information on the particular target without even being detected or known. Practically, that’s what happening in very fast growing net craze.

Other than hacking is virus infiltration. Most basic virus would definitely infiltrate your computer and somewhat do something unruly to your computer. Another type of bad program that are being spread around is spywares. As what its name defined, it’s a program to steal information about your computer and maybe information about you. Practically its almost the same as hacking and of the tools hackers use.

But I’m not here to scare you guys or something. I’m just here to warn. And a tip for it? Be WISE. Wisdom is more than enough that could be helpful in this kind of scenery. Wisdom will of course move you to learn more about the matter. Wisdom will also guide you to choose what is right from what is wrong (e.g. would you click on something you know contains evil on it?) Wisdom would definitely help you to be careful (thinking first before doing). And the like…

Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

More readings about wisdom.... read this chapters:

Proverbs 4 & Ecclesiastes 7

July 20,2008 Special Number

kuya dan:
I dunno how to write...
and what to write regarding this video.

Maybe lyrics?

I don't have a copy however. :D

c/o kristine?? :)




senxa po... chou small... i dunno how to make it bigger already... o.0
that's the biggest i think........

yeah,i set it to large but i dunno what happened...


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Ana, pasensya na.. inalis ko nalang ung video... kasi automatic na nag-ple-play gawin ko nalang as link....

Click here to view the video.


C3 Voices - Christians Committed to Christ

Beginning members: Christian Ticad, Jasper Lamsis, Lyndon Zabala, Gideon Pay-an, Kelvin Danes, Dennis Valles, Rald Sanoy, Shena Ringor, Kristine Caroy (anyone else I forgot?)

If you want to join? you don't have to go to UC... you just have to talk to them and ask them to teach you songs... Huwag kayong mahiya... kasi walang hiya mga yan... Hahahaha!

Goal: To sing for the Lord and minister through music ministry.

Churches on Dilemma

Recently I have had a good conversation with my father, talking about the churches in connection as well with his previous work or ministries. Indeed, new knowledge have I acquired, regarding the Fundamental Baptist Churches here in the Philippines and its relation with the known organization, ABWE.

He talked about their ministries and a goal as to plant more churches, other than this is to teach and preach the Word of God. As to fulfill also what Paul has taught Timothy, “2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” My father talked about the “Church Constitution and By Laws,” as one of the important heirloom of a Fundamental Baptist Church, that should be passed from church generations to generations. As far as I know and been discussed, the “Church Constitution and By Laws” is a guideline for Fundamental Baptist Churches written and inspired through the Word of God (correct me if I’m wrong).

He spoke about the constitution, as perhaps one that separates the Baptist Fundamentalists from Bible Baptist Churches, Southern Baptist Churches and other Baptist Churches or perhaps will define our distinction from these churches, as they may too have their own constitution.

Here is the Dilemma, I want to point out. Our churches are in a dilemma, since the new generations have never been trained or taught about these things. Never have been learned what separates us from other churches. And so, we are on no bounds or in the midst of confusion. In fact, even our history is a mystery in the midst of our churches, or in other words, sometimes we don’t know where our beliefs came from or who has taught us these things first. True, the Word of God has taught us what we believe, but who we’re the ones that have given us this knowledge. Whose feet have walked the mountains to preach and to teach the gospel? Anyway, my point is what makes us fundamentalist and why is there other Baptist? I think, believers must understand and know these things. Why? Perhaps, it’s the same sense as to the reason why you must know where and how you are given a name or Surname. Or perhaps why you can call yourself a Christian? Can you simply call yourself a Christian without knowing why or how did you come about?

The effect of not having the knowledge on this matter is already being seen in our days: compromising, confusion, self-deception, easily deceived, etc. But perhaps, it is indeed one of God’s Word being fulfilled, as we are in the “Perilous Times” (2 Timothy 3). But far more than the constitution, this is where I would like to challenge Christians, to be more rooted in God’s Words. The Constitution and by laws perhaps is the basic belief and practices that we Christians should put in mind and should be put in practice or actions. And so much more God’s every Word.

In 2 Timothy 3:14 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;” Paul instructs Timothy to continue in the things he has learned. This verse is much challenged to us Christians this day. The problem is, “Are we Christians learned of every God’s Word?” or “Are we trained and taught of every need-to-learn, as member of a Church?”

For this matter, the call to be rooted in God’s Word is very much alive and kicking. Calling Christians that they must be equipped and be learned for the reason that these days, we will face so many deceptions and testing of our faith. Hope we Christians indeed focus our attention to His Word and His teachings and of course to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for if you don’t, you are on a dilemma. And the church you will be in would be on a dilemma as well.

2 Timothy 3:16 & 17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

don't be a target

On several occasions we see groups on young people (usually sporting the same fashion) hanging out in public parks and other places. Sometimes these groups are seen walking the streets late at night or engaging in some other activity. On my part I would not hesitate to conclude that most (if not all) of these groups are the fraternities our city government is currently on the task of regulating.

In 1995, around 13 years ago, I fell victim to a fraternity initiation. I was with some friends in City High. We were playing around during morning recess (around 9AM or so) when I noticed a person clad in a black coat standing a few meters from where we were. Naiveté getting the best of us (we were high school freshmen. What can we do?) we continued on our playful banter until this person came down and grabbed me on the face. His tobacco-smelling hand completely smothered me as he flung me around so I would be facing him. Accused of throwing stones at him, I vehemently denied his accusation and even spoke words I really shouldn’t have. Had I been any wiser I would have known that I actually offered him a challenge. He charged at me, fists flying in all directions with one of my friends (Andro Salinas… son of Ptr. Art Salinas of BCFBC) getting hit squarely on the face. The next thing I knew is that we were in the bathroom and I was getting pounded. I was able to place a few hits but come on, what chance does a twelve year old have against someone two times bigger than I am, with his gang looking on and preparing to jump in should someone come to my rescue? When he finally satisfied himself with my broken face, he ran and escaped through an opening which is now the overpass between City High and UC. Carpenters building a two-storey building nearby gave chase but were attacked with rocks his companions brought with them. They fulfilled their purpose and escaped without harm. It was only when I got older that I realized that it wasn’t a random act of violence. It was a fraternity initiation. That knowledge just made my moment of vulnerability even more painful. The NBI got a few suspects but I was later told that I couldn’t make a positive identification so no one was charged.

Twelve years later, at around 9PM or so (see the irony here?) I again fell victim to a would-be fraternity free-for-all. I was on my way up Session Road, Yellow Cab side when this person in your typical hip hop fashion came up to me, forcefully pushed me and said something really forgettable (old age is catching up on me). But moments before that I already noticed him through my peripheral vision (it’s not a super power. Everyone has one.) surrounded by his group. So when he came up to me I just looked at him at walked on. I constantly maintained my cool, walked on and carefully planned an escape route while occasionally looking behind me should I be followed. Even with my size and ability I don’t dream of single-handedly taking out a whole gang like we see in the movies. That was a challenge, plain and simple, thinking that I would retaliate and throw the first punch so he can tell the police that I started the whole thing. He probably was getting initiated into a fraternity and had to prove his worth by picking a fight and holding his own. Had I been as naïve as I was before, I would have accepted it and would have ended up sprawled on the street (you can’t expect total strangers to come to your rescue.), running bleeding or worse, dead. I don’t know, am I the perfect target to a fraternity initiation? Or was I just at the wrong place and at the wrong time for at least two occasions in my lifetime? I’ll never know. All I know is that there are groups here which desire nothing but to hurt others and gain respect out of fear.

A fraternity is a group of people having the same ideals, beliefs and interests. Being given a negative connotation the term has been associated with gang wars, hazing, violence and crime. It is in fact a brotherly relationship which should have been a very positive thing. It is synonymous to a fellowship; a civic organization; a barkada (without the negative influence) or even a family in our own non-legal jargon. But for what purpose do young people join fraternities or plain street gangs? They do it for mutual protection, because they themselves feel unsafe when they are on their own. They do it for belonging because they do not have their own identity without their gang. They do it for acceptance because they themselves are rejected by society or their families for causes due to their own fault or due to circumstances we can never have control over. And some do it because of the wealth they gain by reason of the various crimes they commit because they are too lazy to work or are too impatient to wait. Come to think of it, these people are not to be feared. They are to be rescued. We can see here the effect of moral depravity; the degradation of the family. This is the effect of racism, cultural insensitivity, corruption and lack of sincere bonds between people. Even in my own environment, friends of mine have been beaten to a pulp just to gain initiation. What kind of sick, twisted and corrupted form of brotherhood do they wish to create when they humiliate, hurt or induce into wrongdoing those who wish to become a part of their so called “botherhood”? During the course of my growth I have known people who were robbed, stabbed, mauled and even killed by these groups.

What I learned from experience and observation is that we are assured of eternal security because of our salvation through Christ, but just because we have that blessed assurance does not mean that it’s okay to be careless. “Kung oras ko, oras ko…” is a popular saying among us. Just because we know that this life is temporary doesn’t mean that we take it for granted. Let’s not take our personal safety and wellbeing too lightly. The Father has provided us with able minds and hearts to determine which is right and wrong. Never venture out into the world thinking that no harm can come to you. God said that we should not fear those who can harm the body but not the soul, but fear rather who can destroy both body and soul. So do not fear them. But do not be careless either. Evildoers will not think twice about doing you harm should they pick you as a target among hundreds of random people. The logical thing to do is not to be a target in the first place.

Praise & Worship?

From previous and current observation, it seems these two words are becoming demeaned of its meaning. I mean, its meaning is diverted, distorted or damaged. I may be wrong, but as I observe the new generation; it seems the phrase “Praise and Worship,” denotes the act of singing new and upbeat songs or lively songs, especially sung with bands, electric guitars and drums. I have no against on such acts, except of course that is obviously not for the glory of God. But the perception of Christians toward “Praise and Worship,” seems to have changed. And currently, churches seem to accept this definition of “Praise and Worship”, where as, Hymns are separated from these songs.

Looking at the definition of praise and worship, I find these definitions:

Praise is an impassioned exaltation of God (ie. a Supreme Being, or Creation), typically as an expression of gratitude for one's life or being.

Worship is showing devotion to (a deity); To honor and adore, especially as a deity;

Truthfully the new songs are being sung may give praise and worship to our God, but don’t the hymns or old songs do the same? It may be hard to understand at times the words that have been used, but we must not degrade the hymns or old songs of their worth and meaning. Songs that were written, authored and composed also because of astonishing experiences.

One of the stories I’ve heard was the story of Horatio G. Spafford, who after experiencing an extremely difficult situation (losing his 4 daughters in a single event), was still able to write the lyrics of the hymn “It is well with my soul” (read the book 101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck.).

Quite astonishing stories indeed, on how the hymns were written. Of course I’m not saying that the new songs are simply written for nothing, nor all hymns were written with amazing stories. But, it is this point I want to point out how we view the old and new songs. How do we really view songs in terms of praise and worship? We may separate old and new songs according to the beats or styles or mood of the songs, but can we really separate and perceive which songs are for praise and worship? It is quite alarming when people say “We’ll put praise and worship songs in our program.” Or, “We’ll have pure praise and worship songs on this period.” It makes me think, “Does this mean when we sing hymns or when the old folks from the past sung these hymns they have not praised and worshipped God?” May it be that we don’t forget what praise and worship really means. Sooner or later what I have said here may be unnoticed by most people, but perhaps Loakanians will be reminded what Praise and Worship is all about. Praise as an act of expressing thanks to whatever God has done in our lives. Worship as proclaiming Who God is in our lives.

Colossians 3
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

interesting online Christian radio

Hmmm..... interesting online Christian Radio... you can here a message from God's word from this site too... try selecting adobe flash as player.. i think its better than windows media .... i hope it could be a blessing to all of you who likes to hear a message :)

just click this link:

http://www.bbnradio.org/wcm4/english/Pre_Home/tabid/3103/Default.aspx

Stranger by the days

Recently, we have had sad events. We give our condolences to the Bigornia and Ringor families, who had one of their loved ones went ahead and meet our Creator. I take this opportunity to thank God as well, for sparing my father, giving him a second chance (as my father repeatedly stated to his visitors).

It has been a shocking and mystifying week indeed, as it seems death roamed around the Loakan area. But, great is the comfort and hope we have as Christians, for we know death is not the end.

Titus 3
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Reminiscing the past, I remember the others that have already went ahead of us, Men and Women of Faith, I believe. I remember Ptr. Dawal, Ptr. Nick, and Auntie Aning; And, I believe they have faithfully served God. Perhaps just wanting to remind us of the life they have shown and the testimony that gives glory to God. I wonder, as generations go stranger by the days, will God find us faithful as well?

Through out the confusion, diversion, tragedy, corruption, etc., shall Christians strive for the Glory of God? Will Christians continue to be faithfully serving? Continue to become light of this darkened world?

Philippians 2
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Whereby, I continue to challenge Christians to let your light shine and in due time, our God shall state upon us, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”