Lent in the Philippines

photo from Washington Post

Lent in the Philippines has become a tourist attraction. The locals make penitence by slashing themselves on the back, and dramatize Christ’s crucifixion. They really make themselves be nailed on a cross, saying they’re being one with Christ as what He has done. But if people really want to reenact what He did, they should let their sides be speared–

“But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” (John 19:34)

They said it’s for the forgiveness of their sins. But if they can truly understand God’s Word, they would not do that. The Bible said, “Every year the chief priest went into the holy place to make a sacrifice with blood that isn’t his own. However, Christ didn’t go into heaven to sacrifice himself again and again. Otherwise, he would have had to suffer many times since the world was created. But now, at the end of the ages, he has appeared once to remove sin by his sacrifice.” (Hebrews 9:25-26, GW)

Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of humanity, and after that he will appear a second time. This time he will not deal with sin, but he will save those who eagerly wait for him. (v.27)

These people mocked what Christ had done on the cross. It’s like saying to His face that what He did wasn’t enough for the remission of sins. They don’t understand because Christ is still not in their hearts.

“But to all who did receive [Jesus Christ], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

One can only truly understand the Word of God if he has Christ in his heart, because it is only through Him that he can receive God’s Holy Spirit.

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority,…He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13,14)

I do not mean to judge, or condemn, but it’s all written in God’s Word, and these things must not be tolerated. But the children of God through Jesus His Son should pray for the enlightenment of many people who’s been twisted by the enemy. May we all be directed by God’s revelation through His Spirit by the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our hearts. All for God’s glory and honor, amen.

The math of satisfaction

March 30, 2013, 12:46 AM

Song for this blog: Glorious God by New Life Worship

Finished reading chapter 2 of The Attributes of God — God’s Immensity. Wow… I’m so awed and floored by the revelations and understanding God gave to Tozer. And I’m so touched, and I feel so loved and gifted by the LORD.

Lenten Christmas

Though it’s the Christmas season, I can’t help but also think (& feel) that it’s the Lenten season now. Whenever I think of Christ’s birth, I also remember His death. We can not celebrate one and neglect the other. His birth and death embody the Father’s unconditional love for us sinners.

That was my Facebook status yesterday.

For the past days I’ve been in various seasonal merriment. I admit I don’t like parties, but I don’t hate attending one. I am just so.. passive when it comes to things like that. Anyway…

Sometimes, in the midst of the festive celebration, people forget, have taken for granted, and/or compromise the meaning of Christmas (no, I don’t think it’s because of the usage of Xmas. Go and research about it..). I have encountered lots of messages about the real Reason of this season. We know right: it’s the Lord Jesus. But people also forget