Does God hate RP? (Or Catholics, homosexuals, adulterers...)

Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines three days ago with the strongest winds in recorded history.

Someone claimed that Haiyan was God's punishment "for their tolerance of homosexuality, prostitution, Catholicism and other sins". So a student of mine (who I know is in a Catholic organization) asked this on Facebook:

 

Appropriately enough, yesterday our Bible group talked about the book of Revelation chapters 2-3, where Jesus was calling to seven churches. To Thyatira He said this:

I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’
(Revelation 2:19-25)

Below is my reply to him. Please feel free to share your own thoughts, insights and beliefs. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the Philippines!

=================================

Hi ***** ...

First off: let's check the facts. (In this case, we're talking about God so we base our answers from the Bible and from personal experience.)

1. Did God really list those things as sin?

2. How does God view sin?

3. Does God punish sin?

4. Is God good, just, and merciful?


My answer to the four questions is Yes.

Unfortunately, the blogger here does NOT present a biblically accurate view of God.

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8)

"Should we call down fire from heaven?" the disciples asked Jesus, after a town rejected them. Jesus turned and rebuked them. (Luke 9:54-55)

"Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?" (Ezekiel 18:23, 33:11)

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:17)


Thank God that He not only loves us Filipinos, He also gave Jesus as the atonement for our sins and He gave us the Holy Spirit for the power to live sin-free and fully!

BUT we have to admit the issues and areas that we do not obey God. 

His main commandments are to love Him and love each other (Matthew 22:36-40). For the details, we have guides like the Ten Commandments which starts off with:

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

“You shall have no other gods before me.

"You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."

(Deuteronomy 5:6-10)

Sorry ***** but the Catholic Church ignores these commands and even promotes idol making / bowing down / worshipping not just God but angels and people who are NOT God. The people we call saints --- Peter, Paul, John --- they were told and they tell people to not worship them. Some Catholics tell me they just "revere" and "venerate" Mary. But look at the Rosary --- for every one time we say "Glory to God", we "Hail Mary" ten times. So who is really glorified?

I sometimes write about that in my blog, like in here. (For more, you can just search "Catholic" or click the label "religions".)

Truly, God loves you, me, homosexuals, prostitutes, adulterers, Catholics... And God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6) so that we would grow more in Him (2 Peter 3:18). We have to admit where we are NOT right with Him, ask and receive His help to change us, and glorify Him and enjoy Him more fully as we now walk in *closer* fellowship with Him.


Last comment: Looks like that blogger is just out to mock Christians. (See his other posts.) But this is still a good way to start meaningful discussions :) 


================================= 


Postscript 1. As for homosexuality, here's a recent post.
 
Postscript 2. On the Filipino spirit:
 

http://instagram.com/p/ge9qPpS-VW/ 

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. All glory to God.

I can't change ---> The point exactly

I can't change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
   --- "Same Love" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, ft. Mary Lambert
(More lyrics from the song appear in purple italics below)


So goes the chorus from a beautifully haunting song, which is also a strongly-worded crusade on one of today's most controversial issues: homosexuality.

This seems like the next revolution, after the abolition of slavery, women's liberation, and the civil rights movement for African Americans. But in today's issue, the bad guys are (again?) the Christians: 


It's the same hate that's caused wars from religion
Gender to skin color, the complexion of your pigment
The same fight that led people to walk-outs and sit-ins
It's human rights for everybody, there is no difference!
Live on and be yourself
When I was at church they taught me something else 


I love your Christ,
but I dislike your Christianity.
   - Mahatma Gandhi


How many people have been rejected, oppressed, even killed in the name of Jesus? It is so grievous to see the hate in action perpetrated by the followers of "God is Love". (Here's a healthy reminder.) These days, it's Christians vs. Homosexuals.


When everyone else is more comfortable remaining voiceless
Rather than fighting for humans that have had their rights stolen
I might not be the same, but that's not important
No freedom till we're equal, damn right I support it


Damn right I support that too: freedom and human rights for everyone.

I've often thought of what I would have done in William Wilberforce's time, when he fought for the freedom of slaves because of his faith in Jesus Christ. I could have easily ignored Wilberforce, saw a culture built on slaves as a blessing, and even cite the Bible ("submit to your masters") as a stand for slavery. Of course, centuries later, we thank Wilberforce, King, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and other freedom fighters who did what they did because Jesus did what He did. 


Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.
   --- Martin Luther King, Jr.


The right wing conservatives think it's a decision
And you can be cured with some treatment and religion
Man-made rewiring of a predisposition
Playing God, aw nah here we go
America the brave still fears what we don't know
And God loves all his children, is somehow forgotten
But we paraphrase a book written thirty-five-hundred years ago 


One says homosexuality is a choice; another says it's hard-wired. One says it's immoral; another says it's no big deal. How can we reach a resolution when our starting definitions are already conflicting?

We can start with mutual respect, and a willingness to listen to the other side of the issue. (As a firm believer of "One Truth" and the goodness of every person, I believe we can reach a resolution.)

Like the song says, yes, the Same Love is available to all of us (God loves all His children). But it's the Same Truth that convicts us all (we are all sinners who deserve hell) and it's the Same Power that can save us (to bring us back towards Him).

When it comes to marriage, the full realization of Jesus as the Heavenly Bridegroom and His Church as His Bride would only make sense with the union of a man and a woman. The anatomy and psychology of the human male and female would attest to this. Jesus is always the Initiator and the Giver; the Church is always the Responder and the Recipient. 

So, now what? 

As a Christian, I need to regularly check if I am practicing what I am preaching: If God is really Love, does it show in my life? Does it show in my relationships to everyone: Christians and non-Christians, homosexuals and heterosexuals and bisexuals?

As a Christian, I will also uphold the original Biblical definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

BUT... Also because I am a Christian, I will:
   - value the dignity of every person;
   - uphold everyone's rights; and
   - respect other points of view.


I disapprove of what you say,
but I will defend to the death your right to say it. 
   - Evelyn Beatrice Hall


And a certificate on paper isn't gonna solve it all
But it's a damn good place to start
No law is gonna change us
We have to change us
Whatever God you believe in
We come from the same one
Strip away the fear
Underneath it's all the same love


"I can't change." 
That's the point exactly. 
It is God who can change us.
If we wanted to. 

=========================================

Full disclosure: 
I am a sinner. I sin in desiring people I am not married to. This is lust and adultery, even if it's "only" in my thoughts, even if it's heterosexual. Sin is sin. God already loved me in my sins, but He also loved me enough to rescue me from them.

Even though homosexuality was not really an issue for me, I know of people who have acknowledged this issue before God, and have been truly and completely changed. They now honor their Creator as they live according to the gender He ordained for them.

Thank You for You

 
http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2013/06/saying-thank-you-to-our-sponsors.html

Did I finally run out of things to ask from God? ... or run out of things to thank Him for?

This afternoon, I just got my "new" salary from work, and a friend paid back a loan. So, I'm feeling *financially relieved*...

In addition, my brother just came back from his first trip outside the country, so I'm proud and happy for him, and thankful that he's back safe and doing great...

Also, I'm having a loong weekend --- four days of no school/work, which gives one much peace. Except when I remember my to-do lists (yes there's more than one)...


Interestingly, I found myself writing this to God:


==================================

Hello po Lord. ♥

Thank you po for everything.

But most of all, thank You for You

     not my money

     not my ministry

     not the (my?) _____

     not my work, studies, friends, family

Thank You for You

==================================


It's not that I've already achieved god-hood (hahaha) or even the pinnacle of human perfection. But just some thoughts:

How many times have we thanked Him (instead of asking, complaining, or rebelling)?

How many times have we thanked Him because of Who He is (instead of what He has done, or what He will do for us)?

Isn't it time we seek God's face (His very self) and not just His hand (His blessings)?


Have a great day, and God be with us all.

God > science

"I only believe in science." 
- Esqueleto, from the movie Nacho Libre


I found myself browsing through Zen Pencils this weekend and resolving to read each inspirational-quote-turned-comic. I already have some strips or their original sources reposted on my Facebook and Twitter. I also have some strips that I'm excited to show to my new students next week.

And then I reach this. 

Text by Phil Plait. Complete strip at: http://zenpencils.com/comic/52-phil-plait-welcome-to-science/

Which led me to respond with the following comment:


There are many scientists who are Christians too, myself included. I decided to go into physics after reading Carl Sagan's books and watching Cosmos (and the X-Files). Sagan also led me to become an agnostic/passive atheist, but after a life tragedy I found myself reading the Bible with one -- nay, two -- eyes open.
 
Christianity makes sense to me in the same way that physics does. Of course, God is way more complicated - but what relationship isn't? We sometimes cannot figure out ourselves, how much less the people around us, and how much less a *supreme being*? This reasoning does not automatically prove there is a God, but I'm just saying there are a lot of things that are beyond science.
 
Science gives a lot of benefits but also has a lot of limitations. Science demands repetition and predictability and numbers -- does art have this? Do we then say that art is foolishness, or that art does not exist? Wouldn't that be the foolish thing to say?

The wonder and awe for the universe that Carl Sagan gave me is still there. But in my humble opinion, it has now matured to include the Creator. Sagan hastily dismissed all world religions as superstitious falsehood and wishful thinking, yet was quite convinced of the existence of extraterrestrial life even though he had no proof himself (it's easy to give equations, but somebody please show me one alien being now). If one applies scientific skepticism to reject deistic/theistic beliefs, it is but fair to apply that same skepticism to one's own pet beliefs too.

On the other hand, Christians nowadays do tend to ignore the *first* commandment to love God with our mind (as well as heart, body, and soul). But I'm proud to say that I know many people who use science to honor God and even know Him more. As for me, I write a Bible verse on the board before beginning my college physics class. ♥

God be with you more Gav! I share your admiration for Sagan but also for Christian authors like CS Lewis and Marianne Williamson. I hope you find Him as you seek and share even more inspiration to the world.

Strength is for service

Edited from: http://www.finishingstrong.info/give-me-your-hand/

There's a song that empowers even the smallest and weakest of us. We have the power of choice and the power of God working in and through us:

My hands are small, I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken...
We are God's eyes, God's hands, God's mind
We are God's eyes, God's hands, God's heart
       - Jewel, "Hands"

(See also lyrics video here)

 

     "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: 'The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.'

      - Paul to the Romans, 15:1-3

http://www.health4thinkers.com/2011/06/09/tackling-mental-health-reveals-spiritual-health-needs/

http://www.godsaxle.com/2012/02/the-strong-hand-of-the-lord/

http://blog.surveymonkey.com/blog/2013/04/08/contribute-update-surveymonkey/

http://www.grace2help.com/2012/11/24/week-twentythe-hand-of-god/

  

     "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

      - Paul to the Romans, 15:4-6

 http://shinebrightlyforjesus.blogspot.com/2011/08/courage-it-is-i.html

Rejecting rejection ♥

Have you ever gotten this?

blog.hillsbiblechurch.org/2012/11/16/refusing-sin/refuse/

Let's break this cycle:

Edited from: www.momentumnation.com/i-have-been-rejected-from-motherhood-for-the-age-of-my-kids/



I reject the spirit of rejection.
Enough is enough.
Love one another as God loves us. ♥

http://inspirationaldaily.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/always-love-you/

http://www.wallcg.com/lve-love-184130/

http://hdwallpapercollection.com/love-free-dekstop-hd-wallpaper.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Love

http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/09/06/how-to-love/

Gentle reminders

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
-- Jesus (Matthew 5:44-45)

  

http://www.crossfitbrea.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/sun-rising-good-morning.jpg

A churchmate texted me this week: "A gentle reminder" that our team will serve in kids' church this Sunday.

Gentle reminders. Reminders to be gentle.

How timely. At the time of that text, I just used the Bible to publicly lambast (!) some fellow Christians who I believe have wronged (?) me. And as I'm posting this, I just answered another churchmate in the same harsh tone that she used on me.

I'm posting this to preach to myself. Please feel free to preach to me more. It would be more effective though, to demonstrate gentleness toward me. That would doth heap burning coals on my head (there's a verse on that below). 


A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
(Proverbs 15:1) 


A person’s wisdom yields patience;
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
(Proverbs 19:11) 


Who is a God like you,
    who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
    of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
    but delight to show mercy.
-- Micah (7:18) 


Above all, love each other deeply, 
because love covers over a multitude of sins.
-- Peter (1 Peter 4:8) 


"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
-- Jesus (Luke 6:37-38) 

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20peter%204:12-19&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206:27-36&version=NIV

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans 12:9-21&version=NIV

Here are some other gentle reminders to be gentle. ♥

 
tumblr.com

http://www.gcc.qld.edu.au/Pages/Admin/Quotes.html

http://thebeststatusmessages.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Learn-to-respect-all-kind-of-people..jpg

 

http://www.upliftingwordsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/

Quote-Kindness-Frederick-William-Faber-Theologian-31-Days.jpg

Being gentle does not mean forsaking my rights and letting people abuse me. It does mean considering other people's rights and feelings. As in every good attribute, we get our example from God Himself.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%202:3-8&version=NIV

May God bless and be with us more! ♥

The Conjuring (of Forgiveness)

http://multipurposemomm.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/4.jpg

Last night, I suddenly found it easy in my heart to forgive many people.
As in I declared out loud that I forgave each person, by name.

Not because I suddenly became a super-good person.

But simply because I heard *strange* noises.

The connection? --> I heard strange noises and got a *little* scared, and cast demons out in the name of Jesus. And claimed my protection and safety in the name of Jesus. And claimed the salvation and full life of the people in that place, in the name of Jesus.

And realized how unworthy I was to call on that name.

Yes, nobody's perfect, but God is not just good (willing to help me). He is also holy (perfect). In claiming His authority over evil spirits*, I also felt the need to be clean and release myself from bitterness and unforgiveness.

I find it embarrassing that I had to experience a "scary" situation before I finally released (or re-released) forgiveness. But, oh well. If life gives you lemons (strange noises at night), make lemonade (forgive!).



=========================================

* If you believe in the Holy Spirit (or the possibility thereof), it would be easier to accept the possibility of *unholy* spirits as well.

On Respect (Do not impose)

http://jeffmcleod.ca/day-18-disrespecting-parent/ 

 "When you enter a home, greet the family, ‘Peace.’ If your greeting is received, then it’s a good place to stay. But if it’s not received, take it back and get out. Don’t impose yourself."
  -  Jesus (Luke 10:5-6)


Such wise yet remarkably simple advice. This clarified a life decision for me and released me from an unnecessary burden. Thank You Lord for the freedom to live and let live, the freedom to choose, and the freedom to breathe. 


"Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don’t impose it on others. You’re fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you’re not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe — some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them — then you know that you’re out of line. If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe, then it’s wrong."
  -  Paul (Romans 14:22-23) 


For Christ-followers: Could sharing the gospel be considered as "imposing your belief on others"? Yes, if the sharer expects the listener to immediately and completely agree. But that rarely happens, right? Just be patient and hopeful and keep praying --- it is God whose Word we are sharing, and it is God who will make it grow in people's hearts. (Practical tip: Think of a time when it was so hard for you to see the light yourself!) As someone who knows the Good News, your choice is to share or not. Those who hear you have a different choice: to accept God or not. 


For everyone: Jesus tells us to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31, Matthew 22:39). While we distinguish between love and respect, ultimately God is calling us to treat ourselves and each other in the same (good) way.


It's amazing how something I've heard since childhood is still fresh to me; I still have a long way to go. Below are some practical tips for treating others (and ourselves) with respect --- not because any one of us deserves it, but because of God, who respects us enough to give us our freedom.  :)

http://www2.kumc.edu/son/respect/index.html

http://www.udayton.edu/studev/commitment_to_community/habits.php

http://www.chooserespect.org.au/code_of_behaviour.html

 

http://www.bacchusnetworkstore.org/respect-yourself

 

May our relationships be filled with respect. Remember that it goes both ways --- giving and receiving --- and we can take our cue from God Himself.

I cannot keep silent

But if I say, "I will not mention His word or speak anymore in His name,"
His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
(Jeremiah 20:9)

http://sigmamindset.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/public-speaking.jpg

I cannot keep silent. God is too good of a news to keep to oneself. There's a saying that goes something like, "If you had the cure for cancer, wouldn't you tell everyone? Isn't Jesus the cure for something much deeper: eternal separation from God? Then why aren't we sharing about Him enough?"

Besides, it's actually a command. Jesus's last words to His followers were:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18-20)

We don't have to be a pastor or take up a theology course or be a Christian for 20 years. We can just start with the little we know about Him, no matter how general or personal that may be. Besides, it is God who literally gives us what to say:

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Jesus (Luke 12:11-12)

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus (Acts 1:8)


So that's that. God wants every person in the world to have a relationship with Him. Those who already have that relationship cannot remain silent, for the sake of everyone else. Will we let our shyness or fear get in the way of someone's salvation? Of course, God is in control of everything, including salvation. But we can choose to work with Him, pointing people towards Him, instead of turning them away or keeping quiet. Take it from Jeremiah: it's much easier to speak up.

Living Water

Today was probably the first time I went around campus with a liter of bottled water in tow. Ah, water. They say a lot of times when we feel hungry, we are actually thirsty. The one "food" that's most essential to our survival. So cheap yet so good, and no calories even ;)

No wonder Jesus compared himself to water. Not to coffee or fried chicken or chocolate (my personal faves), but to water. Let us listen.

http://www.mountainspringwaterco.com/images/waterfacts.jpg

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and Who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.”

(John 4:10)

http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~reetaban/New%20webpage%20folder/Water%20droplet.jpg

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep.

Where can you get this living water?" (John 4:11)

http://www.coldspringharborspringwater.com/ColdSpringHarborSpringWater.jpg

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)

http://0.static.wix.com/media/5832a0_c278807fb50d095e34f652fabc8c3b7a.jpg_1024

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink." (John 7:37)

http://images.mnn.com/sites/default/files/main_chanie_distilled_spring_water.jpg

"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said,

rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)

http://waterevolution.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/slide2.jpg

By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given,

since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (John 7:39)

http://www.vamex.bg/imgupload/background/water_deep.jpg

Feeling thirsty already? Or already filled with Him? :)

Four-Way Gospel

I thought of this image after my last post comparing the four gospels.

Amazing, eh? The gospels have all the bases covered and they balance each other out. God's Good News is for everyone.

One book reminds us to look up to Jesus' divine origins (therefore being worthy of worship), another to look down to his humanity (therefore being worthy to be followed). Another looks behind to his Jewish origins (fulfilling ancient prophecies), while the last looks forward to his being Savior of the world.

Lastly, these four directions combined give us the Cross. The gospels tell of Jesus, who was born to die for our sins, so that we might live with Him. God is making sure that this Good News reaches everyone. 

Have we heard the News? If yes, are we going to share it, in any and every way we can? :)

The Gospel according to Social Media

I've been blogging here for *years*, and I'm also on Facebook. Last month I finally got on Twitter and Instagram. In learning how to express myself through different social media, complementary without being redundant, I also got a sense of... gospel harmony.

If you've read the four Christian gospels, you might notice that they're not exactly the same. Just like any book, each gospel has some traits based on the author and the intended audience. Let's look at those traits (according to experts as in here, and verifiable by you and me reading the books ourselves), and see the parallels with popular social media (in my humble personal opinion).

The Gospel according to Matthew

rj-mccauley.blogspot.com

Author's description:   Jew, former tax collector

Content:   Jewish Scripture, history, prophecies (e.g. Old Testament and other writings) 
Intended audience:   Jews or Israel

Focus on Jesus as:   King of the Jews, Immanuel ("God-with-us")

Focus on Jesus' sacrifice as:   Trespass offering ("trespass" = wrongdoing against God according to Jewish law)

Similar to which social media:   Blogs (e.g. Blogger, Wordpress)

Because of:   Ability to post unlimited text and images; Contain complete archives; Can easily link to other websites

 

The Gospel according to Mark

http://blogs.nsb.org/jonathanalexander/files/2010/09/mark.jpg

Author's description:   One of the 70 disciples, companion and scribe of Simon Peter

Content:  Quick, action-packed accounts; the shortest gospel
Intended audience:  Romans

Focus on Jesus as:  Servant, Prophet

Focus on Jesus' sacrifice as:   Sin offering ("sin" = wrongdoing in the general sense)

Similar to which social media:  Twitter

Because of:  Limited length of tweets and messages, emphasis on trending topics

The Gospel according to Luke

http://www.thatimaydwell.com/images/sermons/luke_lg.jpg

Author's description:   Doctor, non-Jew, companion of Paul

Content:  Accounts about the lost, weak, outcast (Prodigal Son, Good Samaritan)
Intended audience:  Greeks

Focus on Jesus as:  Son of Man, High Priest

Focus on Jesus' sacrifice as:   Peace offering (to reconcile outsiders to God)

Similar to which social media:   Facebook

Because of:   Emphasis on relationships (old and new), well-documented timelines

The Gospel according to John

http://pastorbrett.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/ibelieve_color.jpg

Author's description:   One of Jesus' twelve apostles

Content:  Word pictures (Jesus is the Light of the World, the Way, the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life...) 
Intended audience:  All

Focus on Jesus as:  Son of God the Father, the Word of God made flesh

Focus on Jesus' sacrifice as:   Burnt offering (for worship)

Similar to which social media:  Instagram

Because of:   Emphasis on images

So there you have it. Please note that I'm not measuring the Christian faith with social network activity ;)  But I do hope that this post helps us appreciate the gospels more: in each book's uniqueness, and in their harmony (unity in diversity) in presenting Jesus, Son of God, Savior of mankind.

Quotes: Nick Vujicic in Manila

Born without arms and legs, God is using Nick Vujicic to touch people otherwise crippled by fear and hopelessness. Two days ago I was blessed to hear this amazing man live in Smart Araneta Coliseum.

http://instagram.com/p/ZkmidWD7Na/

Here are the snippets I managed to write down. May you be inspired and encouraged as I am. :)

• Put your faith in action.
• Courage means doing something even if you fail.
• You don't need courage to win, you need courage to fail.
• F.E.A.R. --- False Evidence Apparently Real
• F.A.I.T.H. --- Full Assurance In The Heart (of the Truth)
• Courage starts with purpose.
• You can have arms and legs and not know what to do with them.
• Try again.
• Failure = Education. (Teci: In direct contrast to today's mainstream educational system)
• Never give up!
• Don't believe you're a failure:
• Thomas Edison invented the light bulb after 10,000 tries. He didn't see himself fail 9,999 times. Instead, he just learned 9,999 ways to not make a light bulb.
• Nick himself contacted 52 schools and got rejected before being accepted to his first speaking engagement. Now he has to say "No" to 28,000 speaking invitations.
• The bigger the dream, the bigger the opposition.
• Was that a failure? Yes. Was I a failure? No. Try again.
• Obstacles = Opportunities.
• We have storms and clouds but it's always sunny above the clouds.
• Sometimes you may have a dream that has to die, but don't let it kill you.
• Take steps, no matter how small, towards the right direction.
• Be thankful: See what you've been blessed with!
• My circumstances didn't change; my heart did.
• If you're not happy single, you won't be happy married!
• I'm happy today because I'm thankful for the things I do have.
• Fame, fortune, sex, drugs, gangs, being in the cool group... Happiness is not in those things. Love is what you're looking for.
• Life is not just about success. At the top of the mountain it could get very lonely. Build each other up in love.
• When Nick was a boy, he wanted to see someone who was like him, with no arms and legs. Sadly, that wish was never fulfilled. But now as a speaker he once met a child with the same condition as him. The boy looked at him and knew that he himself can be happy and okay.
• You can be a miracle to someone right now.
• Australians helping Australians... Filipinos helping Filipinos.
• What are the three greatest/dearest things in your life right now?
• Who have you not forgiven yet?
• At 19, Nick had his first speaking engagement: the first time he had compassion on a group of complete strangers, 300 teenagers.
• A teenager asked if she could interrupt Nick's talk because she wanted to hug him. She whispered, "Nobody has ever told me that they love me. Nobody has ever told me I'm beautiful."
• Nick got home, realizing what he wanted to do for the rest of his life: He wanted to be a speaker.
• My parents constantly planted seeds of love and hope and truth. If parents don't do that to their children, who will?
• You are beautiful just the way you are.
• Life without limits... Unstoppable... Limitless
• Unconditional love
• Don't take any day for granted.
• Dream big.
• You can't buy hope.
• Faith as first. Faith as last.

Nick Vujicic is the author of Your Life Without Limits, Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action, and Limitless: Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life. He also encourages Christians to never miss an opportunity to share the Good News in this article.

Just watch ♥

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGlx11BxF24&feature=youtu.be

Homepage: http://www.fallingplates.com/

Faith and Sight

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