Snatched From The Pit

"Feeding the Homeless is Politically Incorrect"

2014-11-19T00:10:00.001+03:00

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light, and light for darkness...~ Isaiah 5:20

At home and in school, children are taught to be kind, respectful and generous. That's very basic - nothing special about such rudimentary tenets expected in a well-functioning society - at least in an era when most of us were brought up in. But what about in this age where reason and humanity can be obsoleted for political correctness' sake? It is no exaggeration to say that one's inherent human attributes such as compassion for a fellow human being can land you in jail. Call it absurdity of the highest order but this actually happened in the most unlikely of places - not in some ISIS enclave, not even in hermit North Korea, but in a highly-civilized society such as America.

When feeding the homeless becomes a crime

In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a group of Christians were recently scooped up by police for the most absurd of crimes: feeding the hungry. These recipients of kindness and generosity were no random people who just decided to skip their meals and all of a sudden in a fit of hunger queued up in a beeline for free meals. These were homeless people who had no roofs on their head and who survive only through acts of compassion by other people. One active participant in this good deed a 90-year old man who despite his age and vulnerability could even spend time in jail. He along with other Christian workers were apprehended in action, shouted at by police and ordered to drop the tray filled with food, as though he was brandishing a gun aimed at babies.

Feeding the homeless at Fort Lauderdale is a violation of an existing city ordinance, thus it is a crime to do so. I just wonder how many days or weeks this ordinance had been debated upon by the brilliant city council and how much joy and exasperation it elicited from those proponents after every member was convinced that compassion has no place in their city. It's safe to assume that no one from among the members of the city council had argued that feeding the hungry in their city is okay and that it costs government coffers nothing, so what the heck? It's also safe to assume that they were doing incessant high-fives after such dramatic victory from a drawn-out debate that won them the argument that to be compassionate to fellow human beings is evil. I would add that the city council was ready to label the homeless the new terrorists. Such is their brilliance that needs to be recognized around the world that would certainly put their city in the world map. To them, this ordinance is a product of hard work and an accomplishment worth every taxpayer's money. They however are not alone in their quest to outlaw compassion - there are cities reportedly following suit in some parts of Illinois and Washington sate.

Political correctness is a brainchild of Satan

Some may not have heard of the phrase "political correctness" but it is becoming the norms powers-that-be would want to shape society. It is becoming a worldwide phenomenon that everyone else is raring to adapt and cling to. They equate political correctness to social justice whereby everybody is bound to be happy. But that 'everybody' refers only to a select segments of society whose goal is to promote their own selfish agenda at the expense of the harmless majority. To me this is pure evil and highly demonic. I just don't know how others see it. My argument might succumb to them who are more inclined to being politically correct, but it depends on who judges the argument presented. I say, this argument carries more spiritual tone rather than moral and societal.

Political correctness in action

To feed the homeless means supporting and tolerating the unwanted, the vagrants, the nuisance, lest many more will take up this kind of profession thus draining up government resources and individuals' for that matter. Homeless people are an eye sore to locals and tourists, they are a bane to society. They are a picture of hopelessness in an otherwise hope-filled generation. They are called lazy, depressive and must be shunned at. They can be predatory in nature waiting for a chance to pounce on any peace-loving individual, so why feed them?

Another political correctness in action coming to the aid of a convicted rapist in the UK or in America is by way of the media refusing to be specific about the nationality and religion of a rapist. After all they are just trying to be politically correct. They would identify him as Asian instead of pinpointing that he is a certain Mr. Khan or someone named Ahmad or Hassan because by doing so it automatically connects him to his religion. For the record, 90% of all rape cases in the UK are committed by them. But by media saying he is Asian leaves to one's imagination that he could be Chinese, Korean or Filipino where in fact these rapists are from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh whose religion permits them to rape 'infidels'. So, if one is familiar with ISIS, Yazidis, Syria and Iraq, this is where rape of 'infidels' are systematically rampant, babies are not even spared and to them it's perfectly okay.

Just one of those landmark victories of "political correctness":

In some US states, gay marriage had been legalized already. Okay, they'd won and reaping benefits and there is no stopping them. The homosexual agenda in its most aggressive campaign yet postulates that public school system in America adopts a gender-free bathrooms for all students so as not to deny rights to homosexuals. lesbians and transgenders who may be feeling confused as to where they belong. Their argument has gained momentum when two homosexuals who are barely in their teens demand that they be allowed to use girls' bathroom because they are "females assigned in a different body". This outrageous demand made the principal to frantically give in so as not to offend the two 'princesses', the result being a national headline that gave the principal countless recognition, only second to a Nobel peace prize winner.

Seriously? And the "good news" is they are winning in some parts of America. The amazing part is, the rights of the majority are being sacrificed to keep these deviant minority happy. Their invincibility does not stop there, they are out to conquer every fabric of society to its knees, and it all starts in America then everyone else follows. Hello political correctness!

Thoughts from the Word of God

The Bible has already warned of these things so this should not come as a surprise. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul strongly warned of perilous times to come when "people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, arrogant, boastful, disrespectful to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power." And if it surprises us that an act of compassion and goodness can now become a crime, this is what the prophet Isaiah has warned: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light, and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. ~ Isaiah 5:20

If there is a debate as to who is winning the battle in the spiritual realm, I think Satan has a strong case here, at least to them who openly rebel against the holy God. People can get incarcerated for feeding the hungry. Christians who preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ can be dragged from public parks for offending a passerby who is a Muslim or an atheist. In real sense I do not see the threat here when people preach love, justice and forgiveness, but others do get hurt and the problem starts when these people get hurt, the government runs to their rescue, and the offenders - those Bible-bearing folks have to be put in their place.

So what we can say to this? In everything, the one who has the final say is the One who has in control of everything. People can rebel all they want against a holy God that they do not see. We know that the battle has been won already. No fretting my brethren for as the writer of Ecclesiastes says, "there is a time for everything and a season for everything". And indeed it's only a matter of time.

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Hope Is In God Alone

2013-11-15T17:46:00.000+03:00

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." - Psalm 46: 1-3

It's exactly a week since the strongest typhoon ever recorded in history hit the central Philippines. Deaths and devastation in its wake are staggeringly beyond description. Not in a million years would local people think this was going to happen. No amount of typhoon drills or tsunami drills for that matter had prepared them for what was coming their way. Even to piece the thoughts on this catastrophe is beyond heartbreaking. Where do we start from here?

Even I myself cannot imagine being in the company of those zombie-like survivors who wander aimlessly from all corners scouring for food while soaking wet. They seem to have forgotten that they left behind dead bodies of loved ones uncollected and resigned to their fate so that they should hold on to survive. Men, women and children all orphaned by the catastrophe have no answer in their minds on how this misery could end sooner than they hope for.

There's no point in weeping if what we can only contribute is a bucket-ful of tears while watching the extent of people's miseries on television. Though some of us may not be able to help in the most conventional way, yet we can pray hard enough for them that they will still see hope in God despite this unheard of tragedy. Of course some of us would say, "are you serious?" kind of thing. In this genetic age or should I say bluntly as the 'end times', most people take away God in the equation. We just remember God only as our last option when we are at the center of the 'eye of the storm' literally or figuratively.

God is awesome and takes care of His children

No one was oblivious of the fact that a super typhoon was coming, its might unheralded in recorded history. People at the paths of the typhoon were all prepared, well-drilled and grew in confidence that previous experiences will get them through. In fact, government leaders had forecast that a zero casualty is a strong possibility considering their preparedness level. And that's what they thought.

Even before the typhoon made its first landfall in Leyte and Samar provinces, I being a Christian, did not waste time calling out to God for His divine protection for my family and relatives and all those who are in harm's way. It's the most effective and most powerful way that get results - it is tested by time and generations - because God never changes. Do I sound senseless here if I may guess some people perceive me to be? This is the confidence that we have in Jesus that when we call out to Him with faith and humility He will hear us.

Just four days ago, power had been restored in my home province of Negros Occidental. My family instinctively knew how it was like waiting in agony to hear how everyone fared after the super typhoon . Our province specifically the northern part where we are located was among those places projected to be on the typhoon's path earning it a signal no.4 badge. My sister knowing I'd been on almost vigil mode since communications were cut off tersely messaged me that "we are all okay". And what a relief to know that indeed they were spared and as she puts it, "we can feel the hand of God protecting us". My younger brother has even a great testimony to tell when a flying tin roof almost hit him, but God was there, hallelujah!

In times of trouble when everything seems to conspire against you, be it frustration, desperation, crushed hopes, abandonment or even imminent death that you you think there's no escape, we can still get comfort from God's promises and it takes only faith to be able to do that. Psalms 91 promises that those who trust in God will find refuge in the midst of trouble and that He delights in those who call out His name. That's His promise. And He never lies because He is God and not man. Thank you Jesus!

For The Love of Money

2013-08-08T14:27:00.000+03:00

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive..." (2 Timothy 3: 1-5)

As the ninth child in a brood of ten, being a product of an over- populated home had never been easy. First things first: food. Though it was not much of a dire issue, it never came by easily. Vivid memories of my parents running from lamp to post so that there was food on the table, still linger in me. Sending us to school let alone finish high school was already deemed a bounty.

In 4th grade, I envy my classmate Garry for his daily "baon" of Ovaltine powder that was neatly wrapped in green cellophane. I thought they were rich for being able to afford it. He would sniff at it and teasingly parade on our faces as he stuffs his mouth. I would look at my classmates' glossy notebooks while mine were a tailor-made salvaged from some unused pages from the previous year. Those were fine memories that bring smiles to me nonetheless.

A lot of people have gone through so much in their lives - poverty, poor health, oppression, getting marginalized and the list goes on. I have seen on TV people who have won lotteries and became instant millionaires. They tell stories of wastefulness as soon as they get rich, - how they satisfied themselves with all the things they lacked and even going the extremes till they see themselves going down the drain with no hope.

There was also this one episode sometime ago in a GMA public affairs program of an old woman in Leyte in her early seventies who was left to care for her three little grandchildren whose mother ventured to work in Manila and not to be heard again after a few years. Their decrepit house had no lights save for the generous night sky that lights up their house when it's full moon. Needless to say, they would prefer it doesn't rain a lot. She gathers firewood and sells them for a meal but not enough to get by. Understandably, she would forgo her share so that her grandchildren don't go to bed hungry from a scant meal. I can feel every tear she shed, and the sight of calluses in her bare feet stalked by the camera added up to the pity every viewer felt for her frail and bony frame. How much more pain should she endure daily?

Sometimes when we're not confronted with this kind of reality, we seem to have lost touch with what is happening around us especially when we are literally swimming in the comforts of our achievements. Then very basic questions in life come to mind. With so much poverty around us, still a lot of rich people have that insatiable cravings for more riches even to the point of robbing others, even a whole nation. Look at some politicians in the Philippines and you will see greed personified. And it doesn't stop there. Truth is, these things don't bother us a bit as long as we too are unhindered in our own quest to store up more wealth for ourselves.

The internet and social media in particular has long been abuzz with the corruption issues involving some senators who colluded with Janet Napoles to plunder the nation in a level not seen in history. Of late, a sitting vice president including his entire family has been embroiled in a massive graft and corruption allegations so blatant that you suddenly decide greedy humans can't be fixed no matter what. And we are talking here of billions stolen from the Filipino people by the privileged few. It's not for me to talk about details but the flaunting of wealth by the daughter of the Napoles matriarch is vomit-inducing you wouldn't believe all the while there already existed an heir to the so-called the greediest woman in history.

Though most people got the shock of their lives for such a brazen display of extravagance at the expense of people's money, I'm not a bit surprised. I'm not talking in a perspective of a citizen who helps keep the local economy afloat but as a mortal being who believes everything in this world has an end. Even the world's richest men know that at some point they will let go of their riches upon death. However, it is only the belief that they can pay their way to heaven that keeps them greedy even more. It has been foretold in the Bible (2 Timothy 3) that in the last days people will be lovers of themselves and lovers of money - such is a terrible time that we are witnessing right now. And this is where it gets even more scary.

Justice Is On The Way

The Bible says in Mark 8:36, "For what profit is it for a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?" In this world where everyone is busy storing up riches for himself even at the expense of another human being, kindness and generosity toward those in need sometimes get obsoleted when the love for oneself supersedes everything else. I am a firm believer though that God is coming swiftly with His justice and righteousness for the nations. Not that we should gloat at a bunch of robbers and bandits for their imminent destiny but we still hope that they change their ways no matter how sinful they think they have been because they can still be forgiven if they repudiate their sinful ways and turn back to God in repentance.

The Good News

God loves His creations. He loves us, yes, even though it's too good to be true that a righteous and just God can forgive even the worst sinners among us. Jesus laid His life for all of us sinners: robbers, murderers, idolaters, liars, homosexuals, adulterers, fornicators, everyone of us, even those plunderers. If we repent of our sins and truly sorry for all the sins that we have done, then Jesus will forgive us of our sins and remember them no more. And He will most importantly give us eternal life. But who can escape God's wrath if we reject such a great salvation?

And The Bad News

It's just the opposite of the Good News. If we don't repent of our sins the wrath of God will follow us and He will come swiftly with His judgment that not even our gold and silver will be able to hide us and save us from His justice. That is the saddest news when people do not repent of their sins and refuse to acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6) We might be struggling to find another way or some other ways imaginable, like donating to our church or giving alms to the poor or doing some good works just like what Oprah insists on her show because obviously she cannot accept that there is only One way. It's up to us people. We have been warned and lovingly told of the Gospel at some point in our lives. It is for us whether we accept or reject such a great gift of salvation. Sadly, many of us choose the path that we take. I hope it's not too late. We are happy to be alive today, but what about tomorrow? Do we know what tomorrow will bring forth?

KNOW YOUR ENEMY: Satan,The Fallen Angels & The Children of Disobedience

2013-08-08T13:22:00.000+03:00

How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how are you cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. ~ Isaiah 14:12-15

The Real Power Behind 'The Power of Unity' Movement

2013-08-07T21:40:00.005+03:00

Do you know what the real source of power is behind the ecumenical movement? So disturbing is the deception, so dark is the real con of man that most will be unable to come to terms with it.

Evolution Vs. God

2013-07-30T19:04:00.000+03:00

Hear expert testimony from leading evolutionary scientists from some of the world's top universities:

• Peter Nonacs, Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UCLA

• Craig Stanford, Professor, Biological Sciences and Anthropology, USC

• PZ Myers, Associate Professor, Biology, University of Minnesota Morris

• Gail E. Kennedy, Associate Professor, Anthropology, UCLA

A study of the evidence of vestigial organs, natural selection, the fifth digit, the relevance of the stickleback, Darwin's finches and Lenski's bacteria—all under the microscope of the Scientific Method--observable evidence from the minds of experts. Prepare to have your faith shaken.

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DVD purchases and downloadable
Study Guide available at
http://www.EvolutionVsGod.com

Kent Hovind : Creation Seminar 1 - Age of the Earth (FULL)

2013-06-02T23:41:00.001+03:00

This is part 1 of Kent Hovind's creation seminar. The title of this one is, "The Age of the Earth". To buy this or the whole seminar on DVD, go to: http://www.drdino.com This is for your viewing pleasure only.

One World Freedom Tower Exposed: Crowning The Tyrant

2013-06-01T08:27:00.002+03:00

Apollyon from Revelation 9:11 has officially been 'crowned' now that the One World Freedom Tower has received it's Islamic Minaret at it's peak. Now 2 of the 3 tallest structures in the world are Islamic Mosques...

WARNING! The Purpose Driven Church Heresy! Rick Warren

2013-05-02T23:08:00.002+03:00

"A little leaven leavens the whole lump."
~ Galatians 5:9

If Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Church has taken over your church then watch this video.This video is the best information out there to help you and your church.

Caryl Matrisciana: LTD Ministries Discernment Conference

2013-04-29T19:48:00.000+03:00

Caryl Matrisciana speaks at 'Learn To Discern Ministries' 1st annual discernment conference, May 2011.

Church of Tares: Purpose Driven, Seeker Sensitive, Church Growth & The New World Order (Documentary)

2013-04-11T20:31:00.001+03:00

Church of Tares chronicles the man-centered pragmatism of these evangelical Christian movements in comparison to the Bible's instruction for building the Church of Jesus Christ. As a sequel to The Real Roots of the Emergent Church, Church of Tares documents the connections between the liberal Emergent Church movement and the Church Growth movement. Both movements' leadership were discipled by business management guru Peter Drucker, who was attracted to the megachurch movement as a social phenomenon that could bring about his "new society" and New World Order. Mega-church pastors Rick Warren and Bill Hybels as well as Leadership Network founder Bob Buford all acknowledge Drucker (who professed not to be a Christian) as their mentor and have built their organizations upon his secular business management philosophies rather than the foundation of Jesus Christ.

The fruit of these movements is great compromise of the Gospel and the Great Commission. Rick Warren claims to be ushering in a new spiritual awakening and second reformation with his P.E.A.C.E. Plan. But this reform appears to be a social reformation rather than a spiritual one by joining together in ministry with unbelievers to fight global giants. Such compromise has led to the affirming response letter to the Common Word document which declares Muhammad to be a prophet and the Bible and Qur'an to be of the "same Divine origin." Written, edited, narrated and directed by Elliott Nesch.

WARNING: Rick Warren, Dr. Oz, and the Dangers of the Daniel Plan

2013-03-04T18:55:00.000+03:00

Jennifer Pekich is a writer, researcher and stay at home mother who has been married for 19 years. She describes herself as a born-again believer in Jesus Christ who is committed to protecting and defending the Christian faith. Greatly inspired by 1 Peter 3:15, her entering the "blogosphere" was born out of her family's personal experience of leaving a church due to false teaching.

Ingrid opens this edition of Crosstalk describing what we've seen up until recently from Rick Warren and the Purpose Driven Movement. With the help of his Purpose Driven books, Warren has convinced many Christians to initiate radical changes to the church ranging from thematic preaching and rock music to a more corporate style of church leadership.

Warren's latest project is a 52 week health and fitness program known as "The Daniel Plan". But one must wonder what Pastor Warren is up to when in promoting the plan, he relies on individuals such as Daniel Amen, Mark Hyman and Mehmet Oz.

Why should these men cause "red flags" to come up for Christians? Jennifer attended the Daniel Plan kick-off gathering on January 15. From her notes she shares how from Kundalini Yoga to Transcendental Meditation, these men are steeped in Eastern mysticism and the occult. In addition, through it all, numerous U.N. buzz-phrases could be heard; phrases such as "sustainable living", :smart growth", "public-private partnerships" and more.

Are Rick Warren and his associates attempting to restructure the church and society by warming Christians up to a fanciful sounding global plan? Decide for yourself when you review this edition of Crosstalk.

More Information

Jennifer Pekich's blog:

http://www.ponderingsfrompatmos.blogs...

Rick Warren Introduces the Devil Plan. An article by Marsha West:

http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/m...

A first-hand account of the Daniel Plan kick-off gathering at Saddleback Church by Jennifer Pekich:

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.c...

Song: 'In The Words of Satan"

2013-02-23T15:13:00.001+03:00

SE2-J Fellowship At The Corniche

2013-01-23T03:45:00.000+03:00

"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity" - Psalms 133:1

Back in August, wilting under the scorching summer sun, you wouldn't imagine plotting a trip to the Corniche and virtually swimming in a pool of sweat as humidity level sees no letting up, let alone getting your epidermis toasted by midday sun. The city is topnotch for its whole year-round notoriety for soaring mercury so people get to experience only a feel of Siberian wind sometime in Feb or January.

Shunning soaring temperature as such is one thing (even for those gifted with rich melanin deposits), and frolicking into bitingly cold night is quite another. And you see the contrast when people, young people at that (and at heart, wink wink), get to parade their best winter getup amid throngs of black-clad eye-only-popping spectators and their white-gowned counterparts. Hey, they aren't there for no purpose, it's a TGIF night meant for a workers' fellowship of Southeast 2-J!

Normally, Friday worship service at SE2-J concludes at around 2pm, and understandably workers are not in their freshest state notwithstanding the smiles that attempt to cover their glaring eye bags from a previous night's tug-of-war with drooping eyes. (Don't get me wrong folks, Thursday night BS is one of the most exciting and most anticipated sessions of all midweek services that participants almost have no regard for time except for a little consciousness that fellowships in the church also have got to adjourn :)

No one would have opted to forgo a needed afternoon slumber to compensate its lack thereof, but wait till Kuya Sancho declares an invasion of the Corniche at dusk. Instead of seeing one romancing his bed to make the most of what remains in a Friday off, one if not all grapples to find his armor, this time a little bit panicky whether Ephesians 6 would be potent enough for a battle gear. Or what about a newly-bought 5-rial H&M scarf to complement a dream winter outfit most wearable only when gliding through the slopes of Abha or when plowing oneself down through a thick crowd in Batha?

Just the sheer excitement of cruising along the long and winding stretch of Corniche on a cold and breezy night already hastened the J flock to assemble in less than an hour, except for Kuya Froilan and Kuya CJ who cannot be absent for a Friday afternoon duty. Okay, let's not exaggerate things. Everyone simply lusted to feel the wintry breeze by the seashore while wolfing down loads of pizza in various flavors.

Forget about some diet regimen getting breached not to eat heavy at night. Okay, it's not a daily occurrence so let's reward ourselves with some mighty slice and thick-crusted pizza!

And who can resist Kuya George's supposedly brimming hot and gigantic coffee pot in tow? Sadly, the hot coffee sees its life curtailed courtesy of a mercilessly freezing Red Sea breeze, so that we found ourselves conspiring to gulp it down while it still has relevance. Pizza, coffee and relentless pictorial make up for a rather worthwhile fellowship.

This is what you get when juvenile minds outnumber the venerable. I say minds not age ha ha! And it doesn't get better than that when one fashions out a bottom up stunt - literally- the manager himself that is. Unarguably, when you are in Christ your outlook in life turns positive, hence the youthful disposition. (Look Mr. Manager, I have come to your defense, so I don't expect any rebuke from you anytime soon ha ha!)

We call it a parade of hidden limbs terrified to get frost-bitten, except for one glaring misadventure of a pair of bare legs. This is a fashion statement gone awry. So what's with the guffaw Kuya Jeff?

Nope, not a beeline raring to harass the piles of pizza that begged to be devoured. Neither a parade as to who sports the best winter outfit or who best projects a friendly smile worthy of an evangelist. Just simply spontaneous. But let's make it a point when wrapping our arms tightly around someone else's neck it is not tantamount to strangulation. What do you think Kuya George?

Street lamp lights glowing against a man-made pool serve as a perfect backdrop for photo junkies. Wait till the lens had flashed and see everyone sprinted up towards the edge, thanks to the suffocating thick pollutants down there.

This is the downside when your stick-like frame makes everyone think you can pass for a javelin that you become easy pick for getting flipped around and dumped at sea, more so if you're a consenting victim. But just like Disney 's policy, no one gets hurt in this scene. Ironically, the benefit outweighs the peril of riding a human carousel ride, right Kuya Neil?

Don't mistake him for some school principal or CEO at Ortigas, he'd been there I guess, though much younger than most of us, if there is one I know being used mightily by God, this is the man - the newly-married but soon to be wedded (again?) Pastor Sancho - the jack of all trades in God's vineyard. He is our BS teacher, music mentor, a prophet with an amazing testimony to boot and a laughter-inducing giggle only God knows how he developed it.

If only for some meaningless and youthful escapade, we would have not set out for this activity, but for the glory of God it was an appointed time to have fellowship with one another. Our pastors had decided that we could make use of the ambience for a workers' open forum as to suggestions how to improve and rectify lapses in the church, from church beautification to proper decorum.

Once the ball started to roll, Kuya Neil had plenty to admonish the photo buffs to shut their lenses once preaching gets underway. Though some have muttered that the right phrase referred to it for political correctness' sake should be "documenting church activities" and not "taking random pictures"; either way, as everyone concurs, that shutterbugs need to be discreet so as not to create distraction with pulpit proceedings. Kudos to Kuya Neil for bringing that up!

Obviously, his hunger for learning deeper God's Word shows in his input, the zealous Kuya Celso suggests that some workers be assigned tasks to lead Bible studies in the event that the pastors are tied-up with their hectic schedule - to which the pastors concur that there is time for everything as it is God who determines the time and season.

Everyone's attention gravitates towards the unassuming Kuya Noli as he takes center stage with his litany of serious and honest observation of the way some conduct poorly in the church. Seriously, that calls for some soul-searching as it is difficult to draw a line between engaging in godly humor and "being annoying"(picture-taking included). So confused also that Kuya George shudderingly prays for wisdom, I assume. Or did I say everyone else shivers in cold? :)

Winter is great and all, but oftentimes there's just not enough opportunity to showcase one's fashion savvy. And what opportunity better than this to connive parading in hoodies? By the way, when the manager speaks up everyone has got to listen, right Kuya Josh?

Kids, don't mistake him for a genie who emerges from the bottle. He is Kuya Gener, our worship leader who catches everyone's attention with his Omani-like outfit more than what he has to say. Hmm, if my imaginary transcript were to vouch, he sort of says back-up singers are not allowed to use a microphone during praise and worship. And what's with the banning Kuya? Still we don't get it, ha ha!

Open forum adjourns, time to pack things up. I mean our garbage and all. Group pictorial follows. And it has been hard though to create captions. But not with this one, as obviously Nhomer gets to release something in here - probably a memento as he is flying home in a week or so.

Camaraderie born out of agape love spontaneously develops at church so are talents discovered. When we speak of skills and talents, edibles such as these generate yet another exciting race as to who gets to win best in take-out citation. And in this case, Kuya Neil wins hands down ha ha! (Joke only Kuya!:)

Of course, being deep into the night and we were already a little weary, we decided to call it a day. Soon we were away from the cold night shudder at the Corniche , leaving plenty to reminisce soon down memory lane as we hit off-road and pray for a repeat of the bonding time, hopefully soon. To God be the glory!

7 Deadly Sins : PRIDE

2013-01-20T21:58:00.003+03:00

Pride Show from World Impact TV on Vimeo.

World Impact with Billy Wilson Website

Yoga: Can It Ever Be Christian?

2013-01-10T18:28:00.001+03:00

The Church of Oprah: Is he Largest Church in America

2013-01-10T17:44:00.001+03:00

Santa Claus = Satan

2012-12-01T13:57:00.002+03:00

Santa Claus is not that innocent, contrary to what most people believe. satan is a deceiver from the very start. He can disguise himself as an angel of light, or in this case as the seemingly benevolent Santa Claus. He wanted to steal the glory from God ever since because he wants to be like the most high himself. SATAN = SANTA. He definitely deserve that kick in the butt, don't you think?.

Here's the proof. The 5 things satan said in his heart (the 5 points of a star):

How you have fallen from heaven,
O morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart,
“I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.
I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.”
- Isaiah 14: 12-14

The Book Of Acts in 3 Minutes

2012-11-20T11:49:00.001+03:00

What Is A Saint? What Does The Bible Say About The Real Saints?

2012-10-22T18:46:00.000+03:00

What is a saint?

Saint has come to mean a preeminently holy person who is officially recognized after death. But what is the Bible definition of saint?

Answer:

Some people readily admit, "I'm no saint," as if being a saint were a rare and unreachable goal. But what is a saint according to the Bible, and should we want to be one?

Saint in the New Testament is translated from the Greek word hagioi, which is related to the Greek hagios—holy (New Bible Dictionary, second edition, pp. 486-487).

God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16) and commands us to become holy as He is. He is the ultimate example and source of holiness. Holiness includes both the idea of being separated for a special purpose and being pure and right—acting and thinking like God.

So God calls all members of His Church to be holy—literally, to be saints. Consider 1 Corinthians 1:2, for example, which proves this beyond dispute: "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours."

Sanctified can be translated as "set apart" (Jewish New Testament), or as the Amplified Bible expands it, "to those consecrated and purified and made holy." All members of the Church of God are called to be "saints," or God's "own holy people" (New Living Translation). The many problems Paul describes in the Church of God in Corinth show that the brethren were far from achieving the goal of holiness, but that is what they were called and aiming for.

If you are a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, then by biblical definition you are a saint.

So how did its meaning change? According to the New Bible Dictionary, the apostles called all Christians saints, and "it continued to be used as a general designation at least up to the days of Irenaeus and Tertullian, though after that it degenerated in ecclesiastical usage into an honorific title" (second edition, pp. 487-488).

For more understanding, please read our booklet The Church Jesus Built .

Source: http://www.ucg.org/

"Love Your Enemies" (Animation - Video)

2012-09-27T17:37:00.000+03:00

The greatest peacemaker of all is to Love your enemies.
This short animation, created for Genesis the Church service on Aug. 31st 2008, illustrates how we attack our enemies, and what our response should be when we have an enemy. Responding with love is the way to make the world a better place for everyone.

But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you; - Matthew 5:44 (AKJV)

'Imagination' Is Evil

2012-09-22T06:14:00.004+03:00

These following verses prove that imagination is evil:

1) And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. - Genesis 6:5-6

2) And the LORD smelled a sweet smell; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. - Genesis 8:21

3) And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. - Genesis 11:6

4) The wicked in his pride does persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. - Psalm 10:2

5) But they listened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. - Jeremiah 7:24

6) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; - 2 Corinthians 10:5

In contrast, you can read this 'New Age' article 'The Power of Imagination', which supports 'Imagination' as a self improvement method and encourages it's practice to better ones life. What they're really saying is to release ones sin and to stay away from God and His words. It is just one of the many teachings that deceive people and make them turn away from God.

We as human beings, we are naturally sinful and it's only in Jesus we can suppress our body's craving to do sin. So before you listen and follow other 'seemingly' harmless teachings, expose it first to light of the word of God and then know the truth. And if you haven't accepted Jesus Christ yet into your life, DO IT NOW!

Pray the Sinner's Prayer and speak every word with your mouth:

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus.

I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner,

and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived;

I need your forgiveness.

I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ

shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary

and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.

You said in Your Holy Word,

Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God

and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead,

we shall be saved.

Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul.

With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead.

This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior

and according to His Word, right now I am saved.

Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins.

I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license,

but rather it always leads to repentance.

Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory

and honor to you alone and not to myself.

Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.

Amen.

unMasking Mormonism

2012-08-18T16:18:00.000+03:00

Are Mormons Christian? What do they believe about the Bible? Are they polytheistic? What about polygamy?

These are a few of the questions that came up in researching the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” (LDS). The study was prompted by the excellently produced ”I’m a Mormon” commercials on radio, TV, and billboards. The LDS has spent a lot of money on advertising to (1) showcase Mormons as wonderful members of society and (2) promote the LDS church as a mainstream Christian denomination. But, while the first statement is true, this second assertion is false.

Our goal is not to make a political statement. This exploration goes far beyond Earthly politics! As we studied we found drastic deviations between the roots and teaching of Mormonism and Christianity. These deviations strike at the heart of the nature of God, salvation by grace, and the work of Jesus Christ.

Finally World Impact traveled to Salt Lake City to find out about the origins of Mormonism and how the LDS church differs from Biblical Christianity. Join us as we unMask Mormonism.

Three Religion Comparison Chart

This chart demonstrates the differences between Biblical Christianity, Islam, and the teaching of Joseph Smith.

Source: http://worldimpact.tv/ Video: unMasking Mormonism from World Impact TV on Vimeo.

Gods of the New Age

2012-06-22T02:48:00.000+03:00

With explosive facts, Gods of the New Age explains why 60 million Americans have been led to Eastern mysticism’s “embrace that smothers?. This film explores the world of gurus and their western counterparts, New Agers. In a series of exclusive, candid interviews, we share the thoughts of “master” and witness the blind devotion and mindless obedience of “disciple.”

Megiddo: The March To Armagedon (The New Age - The Enemy Of Christ Exposed)

2012-06-21T19:31:00.001+03:00

The Lie of the Serpent is the second part of the controversial Megiddo series, which next focuses on the highly influential New Age movement. But is the New Age really new? Or does it represent the ancient doctrine taught by the serpent to Eve in the Garden of Eden? The answer will startle and amaze you as you learn the influence of the serpent's teaching through the spiritual explosion of occult activity in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Some of the greatest and most recognized people of the modern era (including Charles Darwin, Thomas Edison, Adolf Hitler and Hillary Clinton) have been influenced by the movement that has re-awakened mankind's communication with the spirit realm, and re-shaped the Western view of God and His relationship to mankind. What are the implications of this "paradigm shift" that seeks to introduce a new global consciousness? Will this new consciousness really bring mankind into the dawning of a golden era? Or the awakening of another dark age?

Full of highly detailed research and exhaustive documentation, Megiddo II challenges even the most skeptical viewer to consider the consequence of the global awakening taking place before our very eyes. Join speakers Dave Hunt, Caryl Matrisciana, Dr. Kent Hovind, Pastor Joe Schimmel, and Dr. Stan Monteith who expose the movement that seeks to unite mankind in a one-world religion through the United Nations.Global adherents claim to await a "universal Christ" to lead the world.

What happens to those who will not follow this world leader? And are there sinister warnings against those who refuse to be "initiated" into the New Age?