The Christian Realm has a lot of ironies. How ironic it is that the common man can’t seem to understand.
The irony of our Salvation maybe one, as God requires nothing more of us to be saved, but to simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. By God's grace and through one's faith, one is saved (Eph 2:8 & 9). Basically, this is one ironic belief if one compares it to other religions or beliefs, as most religion requires to do something, to earn salvation. Be a member of this, do this and that, and other things that entails one personal act to earn one's salvation. But God’s Word proclaims the other way. As Ephesians 2:8 & 9 explains that the gift of Salvation is a gift God gave, and it is by only receiving this gift through faith that we attain Salvation. Not by works. And, if by so we do expect works to save us, Christ laying down His life is worthless and of no use. God’s Word says that without shedding of blood, there is no remission (discharge or relinquish or release) of sin (Heb. 9:22). This is the gift God gave and it’s for man to receive it or not, accept Christ or reject Him.
One of the ironies, man may never accept is God lifting up the meek and the humble. The world declares that the strong shall survive and the weak to be left out. The one who has power, possession & fame shall attain greatness. But God declares that the one who is the greatest in His Kingdom shall be the servant of all (Mark 10:44). The first shall be the last and the last shall be the first, truly an ironic philosophy or principle of God, but only to man’s own knowledge and understanding, for the foolishness of God is the wisdom of men.
1 Corinthians 3:19 (New International Version)
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness";
But perhaps the saddest irony in the Christian realm is not because of God, but because of man who profess Christ as his Lord, Master and Savior. One who claims to have a Great and Magnificent God yet his life shows no sign of the Master’s hand. One who claims that his God will provide, yet worries too much for his everyday needs. One who declares God is his strength, yet in times of trials and temptations he falls and have no heart to get up.
But certainly the greatest irony of all these things perhaps, is that even from our failures, weakness and iniquities, God continues to give grace, fulfills His promises and is willing to forgive.
1 John 1:9 (New International Version)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Family Pix! :)
OK! here are pictures of me and my families' recent activities:
Feel free to see it...
The Batil Clan Reunion (My clan of clans... hehehehe!) at mukhang marami pa akong di kilalang kamag-anak ko.. hihihihihi!
Kaya lang wala ako nun.... me trabaho mi eh...
Here's our Caroy Clan beach outing... our traditional end of the year outing... mostly held at the beach... quite interesting though... we are the only ones who seem to go down last December 31, 2008... baka lahat sila tumaas Baguio... hehehehe!
New Year 2009
Pagod na kami and la kami masyado gawa kundi manood ng fireworks at kumain.. :)
Feel free to see it...
The Batil Clan Reunion (My clan of clans... hehehehe!) at mukhang marami pa akong di kilalang kamag-anak ko.. hihihihihi!
Kaya lang wala ako nun.... me trabaho mi eh...
 |
| Batil Clan 1st reunion |
Here's our Caroy Clan beach outing... our traditional end of the year outing... mostly held at the beach... quite interesting though... we are the only ones who seem to go down last December 31, 2008... baka lahat sila tumaas Baguio... hehehehe!
 |
| Caroy Clan Outing :) |
New Year 2009
Pagod na kami and la kami masyado gawa kundi manood ng fireworks at kumain.. :)
 |
| New Year |
Monday, December 29, 2008
The beginning of the end
The end of 2008 draweth nigh, and the dawn of 2009 approaches!
As the year ends, all we could do is stop and think back. Throughout the year that has transpired and passed through, indeed a lot of things have happened. Things never foreseen or may be expected. But I wonder what I have learned throughout the year 2008. I can only see paths and decisions made. Decisions that may change or alter the paths we take and lead us to destinations, opportunities and goals we pursue in this life. As we look back, indeed there are a lot of memories, memories which will stay as is. Foot trails we can never erase.
But looking toward the future, we see more opportunities. We also see more challenges and trials. We may also see what life awaits us. But as Christians, may we see Christ as our main goal in life. Looking toward as He Himself draws nigh. The future only leaves us with questions. Questions of what will come to pass and what will we become of?
I myself have a lot of questions. And as time emerges change will definitely occur. The question is, “what kind of changes will this be?” But I wonder more on the spiritual matters of this world. Previously, we may have already seen the signs and warnings God’s Word fulfilling or fulfilled. I wonder how this will affect God’s people. I even wonder if these things would even affect Christians or not, or will they seemly continue on, never minding what lies ahead. New generations emerge, and sometimes God’s principles and His ways seem to be more than just a myth. The phrase “To live for Christ, to die is gain” seems to me, but just a mere word or phrase, lost its meaning and never to be shown or even known.
But perhaps the only thing I could do is leave this challenge. As we face the beginning of the end, who will you serve and who will you follow?
Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
As the year ends, all we could do is stop and think back. Throughout the year that has transpired and passed through, indeed a lot of things have happened. Things never foreseen or may be expected. But I wonder what I have learned throughout the year 2008. I can only see paths and decisions made. Decisions that may change or alter the paths we take and lead us to destinations, opportunities and goals we pursue in this life. As we look back, indeed there are a lot of memories, memories which will stay as is. Foot trails we can never erase.
But looking toward the future, we see more opportunities. We also see more challenges and trials. We may also see what life awaits us. But as Christians, may we see Christ as our main goal in life. Looking toward as He Himself draws nigh. The future only leaves us with questions. Questions of what will come to pass and what will we become of?
I myself have a lot of questions. And as time emerges change will definitely occur. The question is, “what kind of changes will this be?” But I wonder more on the spiritual matters of this world. Previously, we may have already seen the signs and warnings God’s Word fulfilling or fulfilled. I wonder how this will affect God’s people. I even wonder if these things would even affect Christians or not, or will they seemly continue on, never minding what lies ahead. New generations emerge, and sometimes God’s principles and His ways seem to be more than just a myth. The phrase “To live for Christ, to die is gain” seems to me, but just a mere word or phrase, lost its meaning and never to be shown or even known.
But perhaps the only thing I could do is leave this challenge. As we face the beginning of the end, who will you serve and who will you follow?
Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
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