https://www.facebook.com/104552165169636/

Cross & Crown, Davao City (2026)

05/05/2026

📖

17/04/2026

A solid foundation
The solid foundation on which our hope of glory rests is the love of God. It is because God has set His love upon us that we know, beyond any question or doubt, that He is going to bring us to glory. We believe that we are going to persevere to the end, and we have good grounds for our confidence. It is partly because of the character God is forming in us through suffering that we can be confident ('suffering - endurance - character - hope'). If He is sanctifying us now, He will surely glorify us then. But it is chiefly because of 'the love that will not let us go'.

_John Stott

14/02/2025

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MERCY AND GRACE?

Mercy and grace are closely related. While the terms have similar meanings, grace and mercy are not exactly the same. Mercy has to do with kindness and compassion; it is often spoken of in the context of God’s not punishing us as our sins deserve. Grace includes kindness and compassion, but also carries the idea of bestowing a gift or favor. It may help to view mercy as a subset of grace. In Scripture, mercy is often equated with a deliverance from judgment (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:30–31; 1 Timothy 1:13), and grace is always the extending of a blessing to the unworthy.

According to the Bible, we have all sinned (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). As a result of that sin, we all deserve death (Romans 6:23) and eternal judgment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12–15). Given what we deserve, every day we live is an act of God’s mercy. If God gave us all what we deserve, we would all be, right now, condemned for eternity. In Psalm 51:1–2, David cries out, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” Pleading for God’s mercy is asking Him to show kindness and withhold the judgment we deserve.

We deserve nothing good from God. God does not owe us any good thing. What good we experience is a result of the grace of God (Ephesians 2:5). Grace is simply defined as “unmerited favor.” God favors us—He shows us approval and kindness—in blessing us with good things that we do not deserve and could never earn. Common grace refers to the blessings that God bestows on all of mankind regardless of their spiritual standing before Him, while saving grace is that special blessing whereby God sovereignly bestows unmerited divine assistance upon His elect for their regeneration and sanctification.

Mercy and grace are evident in the salvation that is available through Jesus Christ. We deserved judgment, but in Christ we receive mercy from God and are delivered from judgment. In Christ we receive eternal salvation, forgiveness of sins, and abundant life (John 10:10)—all gifts of grace. Our response to the mercy and grace of God should be to fall on our knees in worship and thanksgiving. Hebrews 4:16 declares, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

14/02/2025

CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS

Is easier said than done... but it is possible. And it is exactly what God wants for us.

The Bible does not say that we should have no emotions at all. In fact, God gave us emotions for a reason-- to motivate us toward making good decisions.

But uncontrolled emotions often motivate us to make bad decisions.

And that's the key. When we have uncontrolled emotions, that usually leads to untrue beliefs, which often results in uncontrollable actions.

Learning to control our emotions helps us to discipline our mind, which gives us the ability to make good decisions based on the wisdom of God from His Word.

We aren't to be controlled by our emotions; we are to control our emotions and be led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 6; Ephesians 5:15–18; 1 Peter 5:6–11).

If you can control your emotions, you can discipline your mind. And if you can discipline your mind, you can take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Here are a few tips on how to control your emotions:

✅ Ask yourself if you have a *good* reason to feel the way that you do.

You have to be able to give a good, truthful, logical, and biblical reason for why you feel the way you do, otherwise your emotions will rule your life. Asking yourself these questions helps you to discipline your mind and control dangerous emotions.

✅ Reflect on former uncontrolled emotions; commit to a plan to avoid that in the future.

Trying to control your emotions when they are already uncontrollable (in the heat of the moment) won't work. You need to reflect on those moments, learn from them, and commit to a plan to avoid that in the future. To do this you can...

✅ Focus on the issue, not how you feel about the issue.

Focus on the problem itself, or the point the other person is making, or the issue at hand, **not how you feel about that particular problem/point/issue**. Solving your feelings about an issue doesn't solve the issue. Get to the root of the issue.

✅ Don't entertain other issues in the moment; stay focused on the one at hand.

If you allow yourself to jump from issue, to issue, to issue, to issue, you will never solve any of them and you will only make your emotions more uncontrollable. Stay focused on the issue at hand.

✅ Develop a solution to the issue, not a solution to how you feel about the issue.

Developing a solution to how you feel about the issue isn't a solution to the issue. Many people can numb their feelings, but the issue goes unresolved because they are unwilling to deal with it (and want to feel better instead). Solve the problem, even if it takes time for your emotions to "catch up."

✅ Act based on what you know is good and true, even if you feel otherwise.

You have to resist the temptation to act based on how you feel. It's fine to feel terrible and yet act in a way that is good and true anyways. You have to act based on what you know is good and true, because this is the only way to prevent your emotions from controlling you.

In short, emotions aren't bad... so long as we control them and do not let them control us.

God wants us to be led by His Holy Spirit, and the only way to do that is to control our emotions and discipline our mind.

14/02/2025

𝐘𝐀𝐇𝐖𝐄𝐇 𝐁𝐀 𝐎 𝐉𝐄𝐇𝐎𝐕𝐀𝐇 𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐈𝐘𝐎𝐒?
_____

Nang tanungin ni Moises kung anong pangalan ng Diyos na nagpapadala sa kanya, God answered that He was to be called 𝑌𝐻𝑊𝐻, na madalas nating i-translate na “I Am Who I Am” o “Ako Si Ako Nga” (Ex.3:14-15). Ang Hebrew Bible o Old Testament ay originally sinulat nang walang vowels, and so God’s Divine Name given to Moses was, at first, made up of just four consonants: y-h-w-h. Ito ay madalas nating tawagin ngayon na 𝑇𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑛 (“four-letter word”).

Some Bible translations use 𝑌𝑎ℎ𝑤𝑒ℎ in translating this name of God, while others prefer 𝐽𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑣𝑎ℎ. May ibang sekta o grupo na nakasanayan na ang 𝑌𝑎ℎ𝑤𝑒ℎ, habang may iba naman na handang makipagdebate para lang patunayan na 𝐽𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑣𝑎ℎ ang pangalan ng Diyos. So, ano nga ba talaga?

Actually, hindi ko rin alam. At wala ring nakakaalam sa’tin ngayon kung paano ba talaga binabasa ang 𝑌𝐻𝑊𝐻 sa paraang sinasabi ito ng mga ancient Israelites (though may mga speculations kung paano). Nonetheless, both 𝑌𝑎ℎ𝑤𝑒ℎ and 𝐽𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑣𝑎ℎ are proven to be useful in pronouncing the Divine Name.

𝗬𝗔𝗛𝗪𝗘𝗛

During the time of the Divided Kingdom (922-721 BC), ang Divine Name ay most likely pronounced as 𝑦𝑎𝑢 with “au” forming a diphthong (sound formed by the combination of two vowels in a single syllable). Ang mga evidence ng ancient Hebrew (biblical and non-biblical) and Greek texts (translating that Name) ay pumapabor sa ganitong view. Many scholars believe that 𝑌𝑎ℎ𝑤𝑒ℎ is the correct pronunciation of God’s Name in Ex.3:14-15.

𝗝𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗛

Kaugalian na sa mga ancient Jews na huwag banggitin ang Divine Name dahil sa takot na mabanggit ito nang walang kabuluhan (read Ex 20:7). Dahil dito, binabanggit nila ang 𝐴𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑦 (meaning “Lord”) kapag binabasa ang 𝑌𝐻𝑊𝐻. Ang mga Masoretes (a group of Jewish scribe-scholars) ang naglagay ng mga vowels marks sa mga manuscripts ng Hebrew Bible around 600–950 AD, at sila rin ang naglagay ng vowel marks ng 𝐴𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑦 sa 𝑌𝐻𝑊𝐻. Ginawa nila ito para matandaan ng mga Jews na huwag sabihin ang Divine Name kapag nagbabasa ng Scriptures at banggitin na lang ang 𝐴𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑦. Kapag pinagsama ang consonants ng 𝑌𝐻𝑊𝐻 at ang vowels ng 𝐴𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑦 sa original Hebrew, makukuha natin ang 𝑌əℎ𝑜̄𝑤𝑎̄ or 𝑌𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑎ℎ. Ang 𝐽𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑣𝑎ℎ naman ay ang Latin transliteration ng 𝑌𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑎ℎ, dahil ang Latin version ng Divine Name ay 𝐽𝐻𝑉𝐻.

𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗘𝗗?

Kailangan ba nating malaman pa ang pronunciation ng 𝑌𝐻𝑊𝐻? Hindi naman. Though I believe, just like the majority of theologians, that 𝑌𝑎ℎ𝑤𝑒ℎ is the correct pronunciation or close to it, there’s no problem in addressing God with other appropriate names. Kung iisipin andaming pangalan ang ginamit ng Diyos para ipakilala ang sarili Niya. The Bible even used generic titles for God, including Hebrew names, 𝐸𝑙, 𝐸𝑙𝑜ℎ𝑖𝑚, and 𝐴𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑦, and Greek names, 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑠 and 𝐾𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠, kaya pwede rin naman natin Siyang tawaging 𝐺𝑜𝑑 and 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑 o kaya 𝐷𝑖𝑦𝑜𝑠 at 𝑃𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑜𝑛 kung doon tayo sanay.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗘

Mas mahalaga pa sa proper pronunciation ng 𝑌𝐻𝑊𝐻 ay ang meaning nito. Marami rin namang Divine Names ang mababasa sa mga Bible natin, and each name reveals a specific characteristic or action of God. What does 𝑌𝐻𝑊𝐻 mean? Kung ico-consider ang pagiging verb form ng Divine Name, it could literally mean: “He who causes to be.” According to Dr. John H. Walton, a renowned professor of the Old Testament, “In general, then, the name refers to the One who creates or brings into being.” Others suggest that this name is actually a shortened form of a longer Divine Name. Probably ito raw ay 𝑌𝑎ℎ𝑤𝑒ℎ 𝑆𝑎𝑏𝑎𝑜𝑡ℎ na madalas i-translate na, “The Lord of hosts/ heaven armies,” which would mean: “He who causes/ creates heavenly armies.” “I like this suggestion, as it would be a theological claim to the supremacy of Yahweh above all other divine entities as their creator, but this approach is still only speculative.” (Dr. Michael Heiser, scholar).

May mga scholars na naniniwala na ang “I Am Who I Am” ay nagpapakita ng pagiging self-existent, unchanging, and eternal ng Diyos. Hindi Niya kailangan ng kahit ano para mag-exist, for He is who He is. At mananatili Siya kung sino talaga Siya sa habang panahon, for He will be what He will be. Pinili ng Diyos ang pangalan na ito para sabihin ni Moises sa mga Israelites (Ex. 3:13), dahil sapat na ang truths nito para pagkatiwalaan nila ang Diyos na magliligtas sa kanila.
_____

Ang interesting sa Divine Name ay ang katotohanan na ginamit ni Jesus ito na pantukoy sa sarili Niya. By doing this, He claimed to be God Himself. ‘Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, ‘I Am.’” (Jn 8:58). Isang claim na hindi kayang tanggapin ng mga Jews na nakarinig, “So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.” (v.59). Our salvation depends on the identity of Jesus as Yahweh. “I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that ‘I Am’ he you will die in your sins.” (Jn 8:24). Stay Curious!
_____

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴:

Walton, J. and, Keener, C. (2016). “God’s Name”. 𝘕𝘐𝘝 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. Zondervan
Tenney, M. (Gen Ed.). (1986). “YHWH”. 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺. Zondervan
McKenzie, J.L (1965). “YHWH”. 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. . McMillian Publishing.
“YHWH” Retrieved from https://drmsh.com/the-naked-bible/yhwh/
“Is Jehovah the True Name of God?” Retrieved from
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jehovah.html

14/02/2025

𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐃?
____

Para sa ating mga believers, naniniwala tayo na lahat ng bagay na may beginning ay may pinagmulan. It is proven that the universe has a beginning; it is not really infinite, and so it has a cause. It is reasonable to believe that the cause is none other than God, the Creator Himself. Para sa mga kinekwestyon ang pagiging totoo ng Diyos, normally ang sunod nilang sinasabi pagkarinig ng ganitong explanation ay, “Kung ang lahat ay nilikha ni Lord, sino naman lumikha kay Lord?” Most Christians, after receiving such a reply, must be too shocked to answer!

First, we have to take note that the question is logically wrong. Yes, totoo na lahat ng bagay na may beginning ay may pinagmulan, but we believe na ang Diyos ay walang beginning, therefore, wala syang pinagmulan. Hindi pasok ang Diyos sa category ng mga may simula o may pinagmulan. It is clear that nothing cannot create something, and because the universe does exist, it follows that there is something that caused it to exist. We affirmed that God is the First Cause, and so He is uncaused.

Next, the question assumes that there must be an explanation for the explanation before we can accept it. Para mga kritiko, hindi matuturing na best explanation ng beginning ng universe ang Diyos, unless malalaman natin kung saan din Siya nagmula. This is both unfair and impractical. Kapag nakapulot ka ng relo sa beach, for example, imposible namang alamin mo muna kung saan ‘to galing, sinong designer nito, saan nakatira ang mga nag-manufacture nito etc., bago mo masabi na may gumawa talaga sa relo at hindi lang ‘to aksidenteng nagawa ng alon o ng mga alimango. You don’t need an explanation before you accept the explanation that someone or some group of people must have created it! We don’t need to know everything about God or even His origin before we accept the idea that He is the best explanation for the beginning of the universe.

While others ask this question to refute our Christian faith, some just ask it simply out of curiosity. Hindi naman kasi lahat ng nagtatanong gustong makipagdebate! Kaya sa mga Christians na nakaka-encounter ng ganitong klaseng tanong sa iba, kailangan ‘tong sagutin with wisdom and discernment. We are not just answering questions for the sake of argument; we are leading people to Him. “Buong puso nyong igalang si Christ bilang Panginoon. Dapat lagi kayong ready na sumagot at mag-explain sa kahit sinong magtanong sa inyo tungkol sa pag-asang meron kayo, pero gawin nyo ito nang mahinahon at may pagrespeto…” (1 Ptr 3:15-16 PV).

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴:

Houdmann, M. (2014). “Question: Who created God? Where did God come from?” 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘎𝘰𝘥. Westbow Press
Stratton, T. (2015). “Who Created God.” 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴. Retrieved from https://freethinkingministries.com/who-created-god

14/02/2025

HOW CAN GOD BE BOTH LOVING AND JUST?
----------------

Para sa iba, ang pagiging loving at just ay hindi compatible sa isa’t-isa. Kaya para sa Diyos na maging parehong maibigin at makatarungan ay mahirap intindihin. Kung ang Diyos ay loving, then it follows na uunawain Niya ang sinners at papatawarin sila sa nagawa nila. Pero kung ang Diyos ay just, then He will surely punish them for their sins. Kung iisipin, either gawin Niya ang isa o ang isa ---He would fail either to be loving or just.

Dr. Norman Geisler answered this question by saying, “The attributes (characteristics) of God are not contradictory. He is both absolutely just and yet unconditionally loving. Each attribute complements the other. God is ‘justly holy’ and ‘holy just.’ That is, his justice is administered in love, and his love is distributed justly.” In other words, ang pagiging loving ng Diyos ay never magiging problema sa pagiging just Niya dahil all His characteristics ay working perfectly with each other.

Balikan natin ang tanong kanina: Kung paiiralin ng Diyos ang pagiging maibigin Niya, He’ll forgive sinners; pero kung papatawarin naman Niya, then He’ll fail to be just---paano ‘yon? God made a way when there seems to be no way at ‘yon ang nangyari sa pamamagitan ng ginawa ni Jesus sa krus.

God, out of His love, gave Jesus (Jn 3:16; Rom 5:8) at through Christ’s sacrifice, God’s justice was satisfied (Rom 5:1; 1Thes 1:10). To make it short, this is what happened: God saved you from Himself. Niligtas ka ng Diyos sa sarili Niya mismo! Nagkaroon ka ng utang sa Kanya, hindi mo mabayaran. Ang ginawa ng Diyos, binigyan ka Niya ng pambayad para ibayad mo sa Kanya.

Amazing 'di ba?

Dahil sa ginawa ni Jesus, tayong mga believers ay no need nang mag-suffer ng eternal punishment for our sins. Anong nangyari naman sa punishment? Pinalampas na lang ba ng Diyos ang sins natin? No way! Napunta nang lahat 'yon kay Jesus when He died on the cross, "and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isa 53:6). “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor 5:21). Take note, Jesus did not became a sinner, He remained righteous kahit sa moment na nagi Siyang "sin" para sa'tin. "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God..." (1 Pet 3:18). God punished Christ as if Siya ang guilty para kung sinuman ang manampalataya sa Kanya, bayad na ang kasalanan nila sa Diyos.

What if i-reject ko ang ino-offer na forgiveness through Jesus? Then you'll get what you truly deserved. As Jn 3:36 says, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."

Ang mensahe ng Gospel ay maaring "lumang tugtugin" na kung hindi ka naman bagong believer. Yet, this story will never lose its power. Ito ay patotoo na hindi kailanman binali ng Diyos ang hustisya para lang sa'tin, for His holiness demands fairness. But out of His love, He provided the way for us to be forgiven.

14/02/2025

THE PROMISES OF GOD

We are living in the time na most believers ay uma-attend na lang ng church just to hear what they want to hear. Whether it is true or not, for these people, hindi na ‘yun mahalaga. And so preachers give them what they want, para next Sunday, a-attend ulit sila. Wala namang mas maganda pang strategy para maengganyo ang madla kaysa sa pangakuan sila ng kung anu-ano. This works in commercials, election campaigns, and yes, pati na rin sa pagpaparami ng church members.

“Every promise in the Bible is yours!”

This may sound very inspiring --yet this is not true dahil hindi naman lahat ng pangako ng Diyos as recorded in the Bible ay para sa’yo! Huwag mag-assume, kapatid. Wala ring preacher/teacher ang pwede mag-take ng passages out of their contexts just to “inspire” his listeners. Every recorded promises must and should be interpreted properly just like the rest of the passages in the Bible in order to avoid false hopes and disappointments.
---------------

🔘“How about 2 Cor 1:20?”

☑️Paul said in 2 Cor 1:20, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” Assurance ba ang verse na ‘to na lahat ng pangako na mababasa natin sa Bible ay for us at matutupad dahil "Yes" or approved na 'yun kay Christ? NO. This verse means na lahat ng OT promises about the Messiah ay fulfilled in Christ, Siya ang “yes” to every single one of them! Gano'n ka-trustworthy si Jesus! And they affirmed it (‘Amen’ is spoken by us) for the glory of God. This is not a guarantee na lahat ng pangako sa Bible ay para sa’tin, rather, this is about Jesus being the fulfillment of all God’s promises. And we say “Amen” to that!

Mapagkakatiwalaan ang Diyos sa mga pangako Niya (see Num 23:19) Pero you should be careful first kung ipinangako Niya ba talaga sa’yo ang isang bagay or hindi. Kasi kung hindi, no point of claiming it. These are some of the guide questions in dealing with biblical promises:
----------

🔘 Is the promise personal or universal?

☑️Kapag “personal” ibig sabihin ipinangako ‘yon ng Diyos sa isang specific na tao o grupo ng mga tao, in other words, hindi ‘yon applicable sa’yo. For example, “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you. I will make your name great and you will be a blessing.” (Gen 12:2). Pwede mo ba ‘tong i-claim? Yes, kung ikaw si Abraham na kausap diyan. Another example, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11). Pwede mo ba ‘tong panghawakan? Kung ikaw ay isang Israelite na naka-exile sa Babylon that time, yes, pwede naman!

☑️Kapag “universal” naman ibig sabihin ang pangako ay para sa pangkalahatang mga tao or para sa lahat ng believers, in short, pwede sa’yo ‘to. For example, “Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of the flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth” (Gen 9:11). Hindi lang ito exclusively for Noah, kasama rin lahat ng mga sumunod na generations sa kanya (v.12), including tayo. Another example, “And surely I am with you always to the very end of age.” (Matt 28:20). Ito ay applicable sa’ting lahat na believers, both sa mga disciples na original recipient ng promise pati sa’tin ngayon, dahil lahat tayo ay followers of Jesus na binigyan ng utos to make disciples (v.19-20).

-----------------
🔘Is the promise conditional or unconditional?

☑️Kapag conditional ibig sabihin mayroon kang dapat gawin bago ma-receive ‘yung promise. “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8). Ito ay pangako na malapit ang Diyos sa mga lumalapit sa kanya through repentance (v. 7-9). Another example, “If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (Jn 15:7). Kung ang request mo ay naka-align sa will ni Jesus and His words, you’ll surely receive what you ask for. Kasi if a person is in Christ he will surely ask something na according sa will ni Jesus! Hindi lahat ng conditions ay stated in the same verse kung nasaan ang promise, you have to check the context para makasigurado.

☑️“Unconditional” ang pangako kapag wala ‘yung hinihinging action sa part natin. “I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matt 16:18) This is a promise na ang church na itinayo ni Jesus will prevail no matter what. The “church” here ay hindi referring sa isang particular denomination or sect or kahit local church, it is the church in general or pangkalahatan na lahat ng believers ay kasama. As Jesus promised, ang “gates of Hades” ay hindi magtatagumpay dito. “Gates of Hades” ay ancient expression that could mean “death.” Also, ito rin ang tawag ng mga Jews sa pagan temple na nasa Caesarea Philippi kaya Jesus could also be referring to that known temple noong nandun Siya sa area (v.13). By this we know na ipinangako ni Jesus na ang church Niya ay magtatagumpay laban sa death (through persecution) at pagan religions. Dahil ito ay "unconditional,” it will surely happen (‘yun nga ang nangyari at ‘yun ang patuloy na mangyayari!)
-------------

🔘Is the promise fulfilled in the past? Applicable in the present? Or reserved for the future?

☑️Hindi lahat pwede mong panghawakan na parang sa’yo ipinangako, ‘yung iba kasi matagal nang tapos, habang ‘yung iba sa future pa (relating to the Second Coming/End times). How to be sure? Pag-aralang maigi ang context. Hindi porket naiyak ka nang nabasa mo para sa’yo na ‘yun agad!

☑️For example, balikan natin ang Jer 29:11 na “For I know the plans I have for you…” Sa naunang verse pa lang binanggit na ni Lord ang time frame ng promise na ‘to, “This is what the Lord says, 'When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.' ” (v.10). Dahil magkasunod lang sila, hindi tama na kunin mo si v. 11 nang hindi mo binabasa si v.10. That 70 years span ay matagal nang tapos! Nagsimula ‘yun noong 605 BC nang sakupin ni Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon ang Israel at natapos noong 535 BC; the time na pinabalik na ni Cyrus ang mga exiled Israelites sa bansa nila. This is not to say na walang plano ang Diyos sa mga buhay natin—no way! Pero given the context, hindi mo ‘yon pwedeng gawing assurance ng “prosperous future.” Promises concerning ancient Israel ay mostly fulfilled na during the time of NT, kasama rin dito ang mga pangako sa pagdating ng Messiah.

Kung tapos na ang mga ‘to, ano na lang ang ganap nito sa’tin? These fulfilled promises are now evidences of God’s faithfulness. Ine-encourage tayo nito na magtiwala sa Diyos today dahil tapat Siya sa mga pangako Niya in the past.

☑️Some promises naman ay reserved para sa future. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev 21:4) Obviously ang “old order of things” ay hindi pa nagpa-pass away pero sure tayo na there will be a day when this promise will be fulfilled. Promises relating to resurrection of believers, second coming of Christ, new heaven and new earth, End times etc ay darating pa lang kaya it is wrong to apply them sa present life natin. These future promises ay mga something to look forward to na magbibigay sa’tin ng pag-asa as we face our present challenges in life.

-----------------

The Bible is full of God’s promises. Though marami rito ay fulfilled na or mangyayari pa lang, mas marami naman ang applicable pa sa'tin ngayon. His promises are trustworthy dahil nakadepende 'yon sa karakter Niya and Jesus is the guarantee of God's promises. Kung natupad nga ng Diyos ang greatest promise Niya through Jesus, how much more pa kaya 'yung iba?

14/02/2025

POPULAR VERSES OFTEN TAKEN OUT CONTEXT
------------

Out of context verses are misleading. Sa lahat ng forms of communication, mahalaga ang context dahil binibigay nito kung paano dapat intindihin ang isang particular statement. Walang matinong reader ang kukunin ang isang passage tapos idi-disregard niya ang mga nakapaligid dito na passages. Dahil ang bawat verses sa Bible ay nakapaloob sa kani-kanilang mga contexts, mali na bigyan ang mga ito ng mga meanings na hiwalay sa mga surrounding verses and chapters nito. To do such thing is to add and subtract something from the Word of God (Prov 30:5-6), dahil binabawasan natin ang sinabi talaga ng verses para idagdag ang mga iniisip nating sinabi ng mga 'to.

These are just few of the verses commonly taken out of context. (Maaring kasama rin dito ang mga favorite verses mo!)

---------

🔘“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future.’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11)

❌It is NOT a promise for us modern believers. Maraming believers ang pinanghahawakan ‘to bilang assurance ng success at bright future in this life which is mali kasi hindi naman tayo ang pinangakuan nito. Though it is true na may plano ang Diyos sa lahat ng tao at mayroong mga pinagpapala ang Diyos, pero it is wrong to assume na God promised a prosperous life para sa lahat, kahit pa believers.

✅It is a promise for a specific group of people in a particular setting. Pinangako ‘to ng Diyos para sa mga Israelites na naka-exile sa Babylon at mayroong time frame na 70 years (v.10) bago ito ma-fulfill. Scholars suggest na ang 70 years na tinutukoy dito ay nagsimula noong 605 BC, the time na sinakop ni King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon ang Israel at nagtapos noong 535 BC, the year na pinabalik na ang mga exiled Israelites ni King Darius. Dahil matagal nang fulfilled ang promise na ‘to, Jeremiah 29:11 is now a proof of God’s faithfulness to keep His promises no matter what happens. Ito rin ay evidence ng pagiging sovereign ng Diyos sa history, kung saan kaya ng Diyos na isakatuparan lahat ng gusto Niyang mangyari at kung kailan Niya ito gustong mangyari.
----------

🔘“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

❌It is NOT about achieving things. Maraming kumukuha ng motivation dito na magtatagumpay sila in a contest, sport, competition or in life dahil naniniwala sila na si Jesus ang nagpapalakas sa kanila. Some believe na they could expect success in everything they do kasi they “can do all things.” Well, everyone knows na walang ganu’n in real life dahil hindi naman lahat nananalo o nagtatagumpay kahit maniwala man sila o hindi na it is Christ who gives them strength.

✅It is about enduring hardships for the sake of Christ. Paul was talking about godly contentment regardless of the situation (v.11-12). At nagawa ni Paul na pagtagumpayan ang mga pagsubok dahil sa dependence niya kay Jesus who gave him strength (v.13). Nasa naunang mga verses ang "all things" na tinutukoy niya, kaya hindi pwede natin 'tong i-relate lang kung saan-saan. Sinulat ‘to para maging encouragement sa mga believers in Philippi (at sa’tin today) na nakaka-experience ng struggles dahil sa faith na mayroon tayo (see 1:30).
--------

🔘“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

❌It is NOT a promise of wealth dahil lang naniwala ka kay Jesus. Hindi rin ito pangako ng “effortless and easy life” for any Christian. Kasi kahit si Paul na nagsabi nito ay hindi naman na-experience ang ganitong klase ng buhay, kaya nga natuto siyang makunteto, may kinakain man siya o wala, at siya rin ay naging dependent kay Jesus to endure every hardship (v.11-13).

✅It is about God being generous to believers in return of their generosity. Binanggit ni Paul kung gaano ka-generous ang Philippian church sa kanya. They shared in his troubles (v.14). Ang Philippian church lang ang nagsuporta kay Paul financially in several cases (v.15), including pagpunta niya sa Thessalonica (v.16). Natanggap din niya ang pinadala nila through Epaphroditus (v.18). Dahil naging generous ang Philippian church sa kanyang needs, Paul promises na ibibigay din ng Diyos ang kanilang pangangailangan (v.19). This is based sa pangako ng Diyos to repay the generous people (Deut 15:10; Prov 19:17). By checking the context, malalaman natin na Phil 4:19 ay hindi assurance of material or financial prosperity but rather an encouragement to be generous. Hindi rin sinasabi ni Paul na gawing motivation nila ‘yung makukuha nila in return for their generosity, dahil it is more blessed pa rin to give (Acts 20:35). Ang Philippian church ay hindi naman ganu’n ka-selfish para lang magbigay dahil gusto nilang may matanggap din sila, their generosity is, obviously, genuine. And this verse encourages us to do the same today.
----------

🔘“The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.“ (John 10:10)

❌It is NOT about having a best life now. Ang “abundant life” sa verse ay hindi tumutukoy sa pagkakaroon ng health, wealth, and prosperity in this world, dahil kahit gaano kaganda ang mga bagay na’to, Jesus did not come for these things. Hindi rin si Satan ang tinutukoy na “thief” sa verse dahil all throughout the passage, Jesus was making it clear kung sino ang tinutukoy Niya sa “thief.”

✅It is about the eternal life that Jesus is offering to anyone who believes. Jesus was confronting the religious leaders that time through the parable of the Good Shepherd (v.1) dahil sa ginawa nilang pag-condemn sa blind man na pinagaling ni Jesus (9:34). These religious leaders ang kontrabida sa kwento at sila ang tinutukoy ni Jesus na mga “thieves and robbers” sa buong parable (10:1,8,10). In fact sila rin ang mga “hired hands/ caretakers” na walang pakialam sa tupa (v.12-13). Common na gamitin dati ang “thieves” and “robbers” bilang reference sa evil leaders (Isa 1:23; Jer 2:26; 7:11 etc). Ang mga “hired hands/caretakers” na pastol ay ginagamit din na pantukoy sa kanila (Jer 23:1-4; Ezek 34:1:2-10). Kaya makakasigurado tayo na sila ang tinutukoy ni Jesus na mga magnanakaw, hindi nga lang nila nakuha 'yung point (v.6).

✅Ang “abundant life” in v.10 ay none other than the “eternal life” na binibigay ni Jesus sa kung sino mang lalapit sa Kanya, as result of salvation, as He said, “If anyone enters by me, he will be saved.” (v.9). Consistent ang writer na si John sa pag-define ng “life” na ino-offer ni Jesus, kaya we can be sure na ang “abundant life” is the same as the “eternal life” na mababasa natin all throughout his Gospel ( 1:4; 3:15-16; 4;14,36; 5:24, 26, 29, 39-40; 6:27, 33, 40 etc). You can also check 1 John to be sure (1:1-2; 2:25; 3:14-15; 5:11-13, 16, 20). Ang “abundant life/ eternal life” ay hindi dine-describe na pagkakaroon ng success in this world. Obviously, kaya naman ma-achieve ng kahit sino ang financial breakthroughs, physical and emotional wellness, or even promotion, kahit wala siyang personal relationship kay Jesus! Kaya it is foolish to say na dumating si Jesus para lang i-offer ang ganitong definition ng “abundant life.”

----------------

Interpreting the Bible based on context is never optional, it is the proper way. Bilang mga believers, inaasahan tayo na unawain ang Salita ng Diyos na may pag-iingat. God will not change who He is and what He already said just because we failed to understand His Word. Proper understanding of the biblical passages will save us from a lot of disappointments in this life and will give us the correct view of God.

Cross & Crown

05/05/2026

17/04/2026

14/02/2025

14/02/2025

14/02/2025

14/02/2025

14/02/2025

14/02/2025

14/02/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share