Creation / Bible vs. Evolution

For so many times this has been a heated debate and probably has taken centuries... But as a common person, I too have gone through this struggle of belief. And I could probably re-term or re-define this struggle to "Faith vs. Logic/Reasoning". But as I have struggled, I too have grown... grown in the sense of or in the matter of faith.

In these so many debates, arguments are used so to speak in winning.. But then again logical arguments may not be enough..

If I'm right, all these heated debate started at the time when Adam sinned. But probably humanly speaking, this has started when Charles Darwin started to propose theories.... With just a simply theory, many were affected as seen in our time. Atheism I believe is one result, another is the writing of Dan Brown and so many other that goes against the Christian Faith... This has not only affected the "secular" but also that of the spiritual.. Churches or "Christians" even have changed perspectives on their faith which soon has destroyed people's belief or faith in the written Word of God...

Because of these things and for many years now, the world has soooooooo many voices... Voices no longer knowing, who amongst them are truth or are true! Nevertheless, there are also people who've stood up, and I believe used by God to continue to declare the Truth, Truth that is in Jesus Christ. And, even I have learned things according to God's own leading. And, I wish to share my own insights and thoughts that others may already have thought of so here are my thoughts and questions that needs to be pondered very insightfully.

Charles Darwin's & other's theory right now is being accepted as facts, yet hard-proof of it is still vaguely to be considered. They say the earth is very old and yet there are those that say it is very young... it is funny how that is true.. Just looking at the sun, who would say the sun is very old? it's freakishly absurd? When I think the whole vastness of the universe, how can one person say how old the universe is when they themselves weren't there at the first time around? Machines have been made, saying it could compute how old is an object or a matter. Really? What's the basis and is it 100% sure it will? I don't think so. As time is uncontrollable and since man hasn't made a time machine yet, I doubt that such a 100% a machine can read how old is an object or matter is. It probably can guess based from an Artificial Intelligence having recorded and tallied data and information, but these are mere guesses likened to machines / people that guesses where Typhoons would take as a route or proceed.

One thing I really like to ask, that is if Evolution is true, "Shouldn't be there be other species or kinds that is like us who are able to think very intelligently, who can communicate, who can feel, who can know what is right and what is wrong? Shouldn't there be also NUMEROUS animals or beings having three hands or arms , having two noses or even one eye?" You see, evolution if it is true, shouldn't there be already other kinds who can also think like humans do?

Another point is the simple idea or knowledge, as I have also confirmed from others, "How do we know what is right and what is wrong?" I believe, C.S. Lewis have also made this point in his books. You see, we kind of sense or know what is right and what is wrong that doesn't have to be thought. How can we think that killing is wrong? Look at the spiders, they kill spiders of their own, that even their own children is killed by their mother. What stops us humans from doing so? it's irrational? it's immoral? Where did we get those definitions or ideas? Did we simply invented it out of nowhere?

Let's go to emotions. Simply why do we love? is love something that is necessary as human existence? or even joy or happiness, why do we need to be happy or joyful if such that we just came from apes or monkeys or whatsoever?

Another question I would ask is, "Why do we need clothes?" I thought, evolution is a process so that we could adapt better or improve our race as time goes bye? The simple feeling of shame when naked is another mystery and question to me if we think evolution is true.... if such a person does do that, what do we often say or judge them of? they are "nuts" or a "nut-case" or "mentally retarded"!

Such are the questions and many more unending questions when we believe evolution is true... Whereas the Word of God, the Bible continues to stand firm. Though there are many deceptions, twisted beliefs, twisted teachings from the Word of God, still the pure teachings and principles written in the Word of God stands true and faithful! People say it is simply written by men, but to a person who truly understands and believe what the Word of God declares, it is not.. but it is a power that can even reach the most evil-hearted men and transform them to become a light, shining and reflecting the light that comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Faith vs. Fear

Faith! Now, when I talk of Faith, I'm talking about Faith in Christ. Faith of which the object of our faith is Jesus Christ. 'Cause it's possible we have faith but not in Christ (e.g. heathen / pagan faith).

In my own personal belief, Faith opposites Fear, but in terms of definition it is not, since I think the opposite of faith would be disbelief or doubt, or probably matters that deals with Facts. Nevertheless, in our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, too often that it goes against is Fear. Fear of many things that might come when we believe. When we fear, then it will produce disbelief and doubt.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a conference themed on missions, the mission pertained to the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One particular discussion or topic emphasized and taught was called the "Faith Promise." Now, the lecturers defined (as what I understood) "Faith Promise" as the giving of any object (mostly monetary) for the Lord's Ministry esp. on Missions, exceeding / excluding the tithes and offerings a Christian believer gives. From the words of it, it's a gift we promise to give to the Lord without having the normal capacity to give as what the Lord has given the believer the heart to give. It is basically not a demand but purely giving from the heart as what the believer believes God has placed in his/her heart. (Ref.: I Cor. 16:1-3) The Macedonian church has been an example of this giving. For indeed, even in their poverty, they gave (2 Corinthians 8:1-3). 

It's quite a new principle for me. But through the lecturer's own experiences and sharing, it is indeed inspiring and definitely VERY challenging. It is VERY challenging because I (to be honest) even is not faithful in fulfilling or obeying God's command in giving my tithes and offering. Well, I am ashamed of that. Nevertheless, I believe that all that I am and all that I have is His. Therefore in all my decisions esp. on money, I have to ask God whether it is for His glory or not whenever I use it. For a truth, there is a big chance or possibility that I'll deceive myself esp. when it becomes a want. But I have to trust God with it. Now, I'm not saying giving your tithes is evil or wrong... But what I am saying is that, the heart matters more than our action.. From the time I committed myself into assisting my father in the ministry, esp. in the missions, I use some or most of my personal  money in the ministry, acknowledging that my money is His... of course, I too had to learn to be a good steward. In other words, money should be planned and everything. It doesn't mean when I have money, I would give everything for the ministry. It has also to be managed for personal needs, family needs and ministry needs, etc. and identifying what is a want and what is a need. Sometimes, defining the need becomes a struggle to people who are into material things, but if only we surrender everything to God DAILY, I believe God will give us wisdom on how to manage our money or to be a good steward and identifying what is a need or want.

But still even with my conviction that "all that I have is His"... I still believe, I also have to give my tithes and offerings... it's just rarely do I do that now, esp. that I actually have no job or work to earn for a living. Now I simply trust God that He will provide our needs. But to be honest, this continues to be a struggle as the feeling of uselessness and insignificance creeps in... Well, I just have to really simply wait and trust on what His plans are for me and must be sensible enough where does God want me to be.

Now back to faith promise, I honestly can not fathom the experience of such thing. I know it's not a command and I also know that giving has to be from the heart, or else our giving will be useless. I believe even tithes, which is commanded, must be given out of a cheerful heart. Why? Because first and foremost, we can not out give God... What we have and receive, all these things comes from Him, how then can we give to God? Therefore it is just right that we give back what is His and doing it out of a thankful heart! So, the lecturers continue to challenge us and say "Challenge God! He loves challenges!" I've heard these phrase many times and indeed I would like to continue to challenge God through my life. Though I know it's a hard-kind road of life to challenge God, for indeed my faith will be tested. Even with my current situation, I am challenging God to use my life for a greater purpose. May I indeed be of purpose to His courts or His plans. And, He has been faithfully leading me even though at times I feel left out or alone or useless. I simply praise and thank God for His provisions in my family or to my parents. And, as I still continue to breathe, well and alive. Perhaps my wants only are the things not met. But that, I leave to God, and praying still for His abundant blessing. If you know me well, you'd know what would that want be.. (hehe!) But anyway, I continue to see God giving me opportunities in serving Him, and those are the things I would also cherish and continue to give me significance and purposeful satisfaction.

Faith... indeed, the just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17)... That is the Christian life... without faith in Christ, in God, our living as a Christian is futile. Those that does not believe simply live... simply exist and after? They don't know. But we Christians know what's next after death. In our daily Christian life, faith will always be necessary for us to go through life, whether in great times, much more in difficult times. For if we have no faith, then fear will take its toll. Questions will linger, and doubt shall be the fruit. May we continue to live by faith!

Waiting Period again....

For quite some time, I've been out of work... reason? 'cause I resigned... Well, I had my reasons and definitely lot of reasons and factors I had to consider... More than that, I've prayed for it and God has led me to it... Thing is, I get a lot of different reactions and feedback about my decision. I never expected those feedbacks, all I know, God led me to it with surety and conviction. Perhaps, the only thing that has troubled me was that my latter expectations were not met as I have planned. But there were also unexpected events I may not have planned but much that I cherish and has brought me priceless satisfaction and joy, that is of course concerning being able to minister and serve the Lord as He leads. 

At first, it is such a blessing being able to do things I never was able to do when I was at work. That's the reality of life. And as a Christian, there are realities of joy and gladness of the heart nothing that can be compared to. Much more when we are able to invest part of our lives in building others' Christian lives. 

But as we know, Christian life IS a battle ground. There comes a time when we feel we are at a spiritual wilderness in our lives. As if we're lost and that God becomes silent (or just simply when the "I" starts kicking again). As often as it maybe, struggles of the Christian life continues on... it never ends.. But it does end only when we face the Creator of the universe. In other words, it ends when we die. 

As the year near its' end, I ponder... I re-evaluate... I remember the days passed bye. Last 2011, I decided to help in my father's ministry in missions or where he's at. All the more that desire of helping grew as I see the ministry flourish and grow big... and to my knowledge, my father can't do the work alone. I'm glad and thankful, God has been helping us through individuals and the church who has commissioned my father as a missionary, but still I sense the greatness and the vastness of God's or the Lord's Harvest field.... Jesus' words are still true even until this moment... "The harvest is plenteous, but the labourers are few."

Now, I know what you're thinking!! You're telling to yourself probably... "mag-papastor talaga to!" Haha! Well, the truth is, I still don't know... I've heard the same comments or feedback, one way or another.. but the truth is I really don't feel the urgency of being called one. Thing is, I believe if God has called me to be one, He should lead me to be one. That has been my prayer, but as of now? God has been leading me to become what I am now... more of a Teacher of God's Word. Someone asked me before, what's the difference of a pastor from a teacher anyway? well? I'm not sure... all I know, a Pastor tends the flock... the Teacher teaches! Uhmmm? anyway I'm not really sure if there is such things to argue about those but all I know, God has been using me in some different ways or even unique ways, far different as to how God uses my father in other ways... Truly God's ways are not our ways. A truth I sense too often Christians forget.... They know the principle, but too often I find Christians limiting it to a certain circumstance only. Circumstances that they themselves can't understand. But when it comes to typical and normal situations or circumstances, as if Christians already have the answers and tend to point automatically to a direction one has to go through, not even consulting what does God say.... I've got a feeling, Christian principles have so many twisted principles, dictated by the world's systems and traditions. But that's just me... but when I look at principles I've learned from His Word... I question, I ask.. Why? What has happened to what the Word of God teaches? has God changed His principles? Now, maybe I like to give an example from God's Word, talking about my understanding on how God reveals His will on a personal basis....

Read this verses:

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" (John 21:18-23)

Well, you see, this story says that Jesus told Peter how he would die. Not sure if Peter understood, but his response was that of a question and asking the future of John. "What will he do?" Jesus responded, "If you know, what is that to thee?" Jesus' response, gives me an impression, so what if you'll know his future? What Jesus was looking for is Peter's response to the call of obedience.. I don't know if you see it but the point is, if God will deal with us personally, He will deal with us personally. Or if He has an instruction for us to do, that will He disclose it personally and we who receive it, ought to do it. But hey, I'm not saying God is limited into doing that... But the principle of "God having His own way, is not our way" is what I'm trying to emphasize. 'Cause too often, Christians tend to generalize situations and go on concluding knowing what's next (Isaiah 55:8-9). Nevertheless, God does not always disclose the future of others to others. As I have said, God has His own ways and often it is special and unique. 

Christianity... What indeed is Christianity? The world is filled with so many definitions, explanations, etc... but all I know is that Christianity is what is defined and described in God's Word, the Bible. Typical definition? a follower of Jesus Christ! But the questions goes on.... Why does Christians seem to follow a different Jesus Christ? Is it because of time? and changes? Probably methods and programs change, but principles! Principles of God, does not change.... 

There is one verse I like:

Hebrews 10:16

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

Now this verse have two other verses (I presume) having the same content or the same phrase as exaggerated with  bold letters. And if I'm right, "laws" there can be translated or mean "principles"... talking about the principles of God. Now, principles are mostly or really unchanging and somewhat pillars or foundation of other matters pertaining to God. And that's something that cannot change through time and it will always be true. Well, that's God's principles to you and to me. 

So where was I??? the Waiting Period!!! aha! well, right now? I believe God wants me to wait further... I don't know how long, but that has been His leading to me. and while waiting, I tend to be busy with His Harvest Field, more of taking care of the field... watching... waiting... hopefully by God's grace, He will give me more patience and endurance being able to simply WAIT....

Let’s Talk About Jesus (Medley song)

Let’s Talk About Jesus (Medley song) 
(This song is known to be a missionary medley song.)
  
Let’s talk about Jesus,
The King of King is He
The Lord of lords supreme
Throughout eternity
The great I AM, The Way,
The Truth, The Life, The Door
Let’s talk about Jesus more and more…

Isn’t He wonderful, wonderful, wonderful
Isn’t Jesus my Lord wonderful,
Eyes have seen, ears have heard,
It’s recorded in God’s Word
Isn’t Jesus my Lord wonderful

Wonderful, wonderful, Jesus is to me
Counselor, Prince of Peace,
Mighty God is He, Saving me, Keeping me,
From my Sin and Shame
Wonderful is my Redeemer,
Praise His Name

His Name is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
   (Jesus in my heart)
Sweetest Name I know (Oh, yes I know)
Fills my every longing (Longing in my heart)
Keeps me singing as I go.

Go tell it to the mountain,
Over the hill, and everywhere
Go tell it to the mountain,

That Jesus Christ is Lord.

He is Lord, He is Lord
He has risen from the dead
And He is Lord
Every knee shall bow
Every tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord

Dolphy Jr.'s Sharing of Testimony being a born-again Christian

Interesting and a great testimony of how God can change a man...
Here is a video I just watched and hopefully the one who posted this video in his youtube account will not sue me or something by sharing this within my Blogsite....

anyway, the one who is speaking is the son of the late Dolphy, so this guy is actually Dolphy Jr.
Someone shared to me about this guy, being a Christian and saw his video before but didn't bother watching the whole of it... but just after watching the whole of it recently, I was blessed by the life that he shared. I believe he's been sharing his testimony on different places... and that's already a great message. Something Christians often forget, nevertheless may we learn something from him. Feel free viewing the whole videos, I recommend it watching the 5 whole vids..