Reflection # 12 (Enduring Church)

The Philippine drama often feature the protagonist as one who is expected to suffer all challenges to the point of giving up or defeated by the enemy. This picture comes to mind while learning towards the end of our study is Church History this semester. I find this week to be really special and fascinating that I came to compare church history like the typical movie scene in the country. I have learned that like a drama Christianity has been through a lot in all ages. So many figures in history tired to stop it. So many martyrs fought for it. There were even compromises.The church has been through a lot. In addition, I have learned also that in behalf all the power, human efforts, teachings, persecution, etc., Christianity endured. And yes, like a movie that glued our eyes to the screen, the events of church history unfolded with victory. It is proven with solid evidences that our faith indeed is enduring. And I believe that someday when the end comes, Jesus and His church will achieve all victory. That victory is sweeter than what anyone could feel when their favorite actor finally reached a happy ending. That victory is for eternity and to be attacked no more.

I realized that Christian faith's essence remained the same. The church has an enduring spirit which was never quenched by any opposing power. If it endured this long, why not to the end? It gives hope that what we hold on to is true. The work of Jesus still resonate two thousand years after He came. Somewhere in my Christian walk I was worried about those false religion deceiving many. I was worried about the eternal destiny of those who have gone astray. I worried about the true church being overtaken. Now, I know I should not. Yes I should care but to worry about being defeated by the power of darkness, I should not.

So what now? I shall cease worrying about the future of the church. I shall stop thinking that Islam is growing faster and might overthrow Christianity because it is proven in history that God is empowering His church so that it still exist today. Instead, I will work and continue to be faithful in serving God. In that way, I will be a useful tool in propagating the truth of what we believe about God, His word and the church.

Reflection # 11 (Use Me)

 Sometimes it may sound irrational or make believe when we hear stories of simple/ unexpected people doing great things in life. Sometimes the discrimination and indifference went ahead so that often times a critical eye missed brilliant reality of the ways of God. Sometimes we thought that the stories told in the Bible about God using simple people who accomplished great tasks were just stories and somehow a lofty aim. Sometimes we look at our selves only to look away because we feel so intimidated with our dreams that seemed so big and impossible. It makes me wonder about our faith. What happened to us? Are we going to just read about the lives of other people and would not even dare to hope that maybe somewhere somehow we could achieve something out of ordinary? These wondering kept bugging my head. Why do we tend to be amazed with the greatness of God and other people without expecting or desiring to be great ourselves? Is it because of our culture or upbringing? Is it because of our past failures that wounded our pride so that we sheltered ourselves forever? So why am I saying this? It's because I was listening to the report and my mind drifted to the thought that really impressed me this week. I have learned or rather relearn that God can use people with limitations for greater things. Just like Charles Spurgeon. He was poor, uneducated, etc. Yet, he was called the “Prince of Preachers”. God sees beyond our physical appearance and our academic background. That is what I have learned and realized this week.

So what? Is this applicable to me? Of course. I often feel the deep conviction that God wants to use me but my insecurities would often overtake me that it choke every ounce of courage I have. So in application I am giving my heart, mind and skills to God. NO matter how big or small they are. I'm giving it to God and if He calls me to do something with those little abilities,t hen I will obey and trust Him that He will equip me wherever HE sends me.  Just like the song "Potter's Hand" I am giving my life to the Potter to be molded, to be used, guided, corrected, lead, etc. I pray that I will be able to see past myself and see the hands of God. 

Reflection # 10 (Love RCC)

We are in a country dominated by Roman Catholics. This truth is related to the lessons that I’ve learned this week and is a pressing concern for us Christians. This week I have learned that the blind faith of the Roman Catholics was deeply rooted in the past when its founders and leaders did their best to keep their interest. That’s why it is no wonder that the adherents of the RCC today are hard to convert and hard to uproot from what they believe in. I’ve learned also that in order to minister to them, we must be careful in studying their history, reaching them in love in order not to alienate them. 

As I think of it, yes, it’s true that we are dominated by Roman Catholics. In fact, almost all of us are sprouts from that faith. I can’t remember not ever being associated with its follower. All my life there has always been Roman Catholics. Now, I wonder if I was a successful witness to them for Christ when I was born again. Then, I know that I lacked the creativity and consistency in reaching them. I should work harder. It was so bad that when I became a Christian, I could remember having debates attacking the fallacies of their religion rather than extending the love of Jesus to them. Until now I’m still associated with Roman Catholics. In fact, some of y siblings are Roman Catholics. 

So what now? Knowing all these in my Church History class, it compels me to be a better witness. From now on forward, I will be more friendly to the Roman Catholics I know. I will also share the victories I have in Jesus in order to encourage them to be curious about my faith. I will also correspond to them more regularly. Instead of showing my inward descrimination of what they believe, I will show respect to their faith. This will take a lot of effort but I know that I must be done. So help me God!

Reflection # 9 (God uses People)

This week's lessons brought to mind the verse, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building” (1 Cor. 3:6-9 , NIV). That verse is in connection with the first lesson that I have highlighted for this week. It is said that Luther who hatched the egg Erasmus has laid. As common people think they believe that Luther did all of it and overlooked the fact that someone else prepared the way for him. Second, I have learned that God always raises someone to do His work. He raised amazing people like John Calvin and many more in order to carry out the task that God has in mind.

Thinking to myself, I realized that God uses people and sometimes He uses people to lay the foundation , to sustain or to finish. In all this, the work a person does should not discourage him because it is a vital contribution to the whole work. I also realized that even the godly and intelligent have dirty works. I know I have done a lot of mistakes as I serve the Lord and knowing how God used even the imperfect pepe in the past is an encouragement to keep on. That doesn't mean that I should continue sinning but that I should pursue to grow while in service.

Out of these lessons learned and reflected thoughts I will be faithful in the task that God has set before me. My faith should not be passive. I will be an instrument of God wherever He puts me. 

Hungry! (Reflection # 8)

This week was filled with learning about more amazing people in the past who were instrumental in shaping Christianity throughout the history. With the heavy load of biographies I have learned so many things. One of that is a quote from John Wycliffe which resonated his whole life, “To be ignorant of Scripture is to be ignorant of Christ”. Most people, if not all, know about how John Wycliffe's life and passion were used by God so that people of different ages could enjoy reading the Bible in language they understood. We are all inspired of how he passionately appealed to people in all walks of life that the Bible is and should be our only source for the rule of Christian living. And of course this week I have learned about John Calvin. I really admire this person and uphold highly his teachings. Aside from the doctrines that I've learned about him I also like what he said that, “As God's creation, he was put to earth to glorify God”. I have learned from his life that work is a calling from God, therefore, one glorifies God in his work by working diligently and joyfully.

Lately, I have been experiencing discomfort within me. I could feel it in my heart, a knocking conscience. I have to admit that I have been feeding myself less of God's word. For some reasons I allowed myself to wander away and get occupied with many other insignificant things. I have distanced myself from the bread that so satisfies. I still read my bible but the passion towards understanding the applying it was different. I know I have to go back to my old beautiful habit of spending time reading and meditating God's word. This week I felt reminded of a hunger I used to have and I long to be in that depth of communion once more. That's what I have reflected from Wycliffe's. As for my realization in the life of Calvin, I have come to evaluate my heart towards work. And I am thankful that I am working for people who makes me feel happy with my work. Indeed, serving God is done through faithfully doing my task and doing it with a cheerful countenance.

So how do I apply these wonderful lessons that I have acquired? Thankfully, I am now gearing toward faithfully reading and meditating God's word. I am back to my regular quite time. I feel so good about it because God is refreshing my hunger for Him. I am hungry for the bread of life! And because work is a calling from God, I will love my work in school and in ministry even more. I will do my best quality work for the glory of God.  

Reflection # 7- Passion!

Learning more of the early church fathers just keep on amazing me. Indeed, to follow their footsteps is a lofty goal. Gratefulness and awe of what they have done filled me. This week the two of the outstanding lessons that I have learned goes around the lives of three great men in the past. First, I have learned that if you love what you are doing, you will never get tired of it. That is a lesson learned from Saint John Chrysostom. He said that, “Preaching improves me. When I begin to speak , weakness disappears, when I begin to teach, fatigue too disappears”. That speaks volume of passion for the task that he felt called to do in his lifetime. The second lesson that I have learned is about the greatness of God's grace. If we look at the life of Saint Jerome and Augustine, it is very evident that indeed, God's grace is transformative. God's grace could turn a person from a total mess to a changed person who would make a great impact to the world. These two Fathers experienced what it was like to go after the lust of this world and they too have concluded that God is more satisfying. Though their plight was never easy for there was a constant battle deep within, yet they triumphed because of God's wonderful grace.

Lately, I have been doing a spiritual check-up. I found out that somewhere in the journey I have been complacent with my faith and pursuit for excellence. I felt exhausted and dislike of my tasks. As I ponder about it, I figured out that my sins has hindered me in having a rich fellowship with God. I realized that I have wandered and I should return to my first love. I also realized that because of my inner struggle, I tend to be stingy in making margins for other people. I get irritated and insensitive towards other people. I am in a battle.

The lessons that I have learned came just perfect in time. So in application, I started to read my Bible again early in the morning just before my life gets busy. I also started writing my journals and prayers. This way, I could keep track of my devotions and be encourage to draw more closer to God. I will also think others as better than me and respect them. In the ministry, I will be more passionate and will give my best to the task that God has given me. Hopefully, I will be able to redeem myself for the rest of my time here.

Reflection # 6

This weeks lesson was short and yet it was insightful. I especially like the topic because it was a biography of a figure in history that I really like, that prominent figure is Martin Luther. From him I have learned this quote, “Whatever I learn, I preach, whatever I preach, I printed”. The second lesson that I have learned was about the impact of St. Ambrose of Milan's preaching that it thoroughly affected St. Augustine. That was just amazing.

Having made several reflections already has brought me to wonder of what is there for me to ponder. Looking at Luther's life, I feel grateful for his courage to do what he ought to do. I was not really fond of writing what I have learned and so sometimes it went away with the wind. I was like throwing away so many treasures in the past. Now, I thought of it as foolishness. I realized that I am too far from what Luther said. I know that almost always I preach what I learn but often I don't write them down. I m always quick to share the new things that I have learned. As I age, I realized that I could have done better because now I know that my pen has more reliable memories. With regards to the second lesson that I have learned, I realized that indeed our faithfulness to the work that God has given us is important so that we will be a blessing to our hearers. We will never know that someone who is randomly listening to us will be change dramatically for the glory of God.

In application, I will start taking down notes of the things that I have learned from reading, listening or just random thoughts. In so doing, I will have a hard copy which I could look on to when a need arise. That will be my source of information. Secondly, I will do my best to be careful with my testimony and with my words in order to save my hearers.