The Covenant

11/12/2024

𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐖 𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐊 𝐒𝐈 𝐉𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐒 𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟓
______

Every year na lang tuwing December, nabubuhay ang topic kung dapat bang i-celebrate natin ang Pasko kahit baka hindi naman December 25 pinanganak si Kristo. Kung magiging technical tayo, hanggang ngayon hindi tayo sigurado kung anong exact date pinanganak si Jesus (even the year, kung 1 AD ba or 3 BC or 4 BC). Tahimik ang Gospel records kung anong araw talaga pero nagbigay sila ng "hints" kung kailan posible itong nangyari.

𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟱?

Kung hindi naman pala sure, bakit naging December 25? Because we followed the early Christian traditions na magdiwang ng Pasko sa ganitong petsa. Though we cannot deny that other dates were also suggested, it came to a point where the majority chose this date to celebrate. Early Christian leaders like Hippolytus (AD 165-235) and Chrysostom (AD 345-407), together with Christians during their time, ay pinili na ang date na ito para magdiwang. Maraming suggestions ang binigay bakit naging December 25 ang napagkasunduang date. The most common explanation is that this date is linked with the date of crucifixion of Christ during the Passover. Scholars suggest that Christ died on March 25 (date based on Roman calendar). May paniniwala noon na si Kristo ay ipinagbuntis at namatay on the same date. Kaya naging practice na i-celebrate ang kapanganakan Niya nine months after ng March 25. Today, many still consider March 25 as the day that the coming of Christ was announced to Mary and she became pregnant (Feast of Annunciation), and December 25 is the date when Christ was born.

Given the details based on records plus ang binanggit sa Lk 2:1 tungkol sa Augustus' Census, may mga scholars na nagsasabi na maaring naganap talaga ang First Christmas sa winter season. Kung anong particular date during that time, hindi tayo sigurado. Kung pagbabatayan naman ang klima sa Israel at practices ng mga shepherds, may mga studies na nagsasabi na ang unang Pasko ay naganap sometime between December and January, dahil mas maraming damo na tumutubo sa time na ito kaya most likely na pinapagala ng mga pastol ang mga tupa during this time (see Lk 2:8). Pero hindi rin natin matatanggi na may studies din naman suggesting na March, April, or sa iba pang dates, nangyari ang unang Pasko.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲?

Sapat ba ang ang uncertainty na 'to para hindi tayo mag-celebrate? Hindi. Let's take note na ang pag-alala sa isang event ay hindi kailangang sa saktong araw kung kailan naganap ang event. The essence of Christmas is always about the birth of the Savior. In other words, hindi essential ang date, ang mahalaga ang nangyari doon sa date. It's unreasonable for anyone na dahil lang sa non-essential detail eh hindi na ise-celebrate ang napaka-memorable na historical event na 'to! Para kang killjoy na hindi pumunta at nakisaya sa Pre-Birthday Party ng closest friend mo dahil lang hindi naman 'yun ang birthday niya talaga.

Mababasa natin na ipinagdiwang din ng mga tao ang pagdating ng Tagapagligtas, kahit hindi sa saktong araw kung kailan Siya dumating. Simeon and Anna celebrated Christ’s birth when He was presented in the temple (Lk 2:22–38). According to Jewish tradition, a child is presented 40 days after the birth (Lev 12:1-4). The wise men, or the Magi, still celebrated Christ’s birth, though it took them around two years before they came to visit (Matt 2:16). Para sa kanila, hindi naman importante ang saktong araw, ang mahalaga dumating na ang Tagapagligtas.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗴-𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗮 𝗶𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲?

Eh di go! Kayalang wala ka namang kasabay. Kung mayroon man, baka 'yung group/ church/ denomination ninyo lang. Wala rin namang masama kung some other date ninyo pinili, kasi kahit anumang date eh hindi rin naman sigurado talaga. Ang mali lang kung ico-condemn mo ang ibang believer sa date na pinili rin nila.

Wala rin namang mali na piliin ang December 25, not to mention na ang date ay already accepted na ng majority ever since kahit hindi naman natin sigurado kung tama ba. Kasi kung iisipin, hindi naman nating alam lahat ngayon kung kailan talaga, which means, hindi natin masasara ang posibilidad na December 25 ang exact date or at least malapit sa saktong date or malayo sa original date...anyway, it doesn't even matter. Sanay na rin naman ang lahat sa ganitong petsa. Whatever the case, the birth of the Savior is worth celebrating. Stay Curious!

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀:

Humphreys, C. (1999). “The Census.” In P. Alexander and D. Alexander (Eds). 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. OMFLit
McGowan,A. (2024, July 13). “𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 25 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘴.” Biblical Archeology Society. Retrieved from https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/how-december-25-became-christmas/
Gibson, D. (1965). “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵’𝘴 𝘉𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩.” Nabataea. Net. Retrieved from https://nabataea.net/explore/biblical_studies/biblicalhistory/the-date-of-christs-birth/

11/12/2024

Backsliding doesn’t happen overnight. It begins with small compromises—the quiet neglect of God’s Word, the excuses we make for not meditating on it day and night (Psalm 1:2). Wake up, dear friend. A dusty Bible leads to a hardened heart, and a hardened heart leads to destruction. Repent, open the Word, and let it cleanse and revive your soul, for "all Scripture is breathed out by God" to equip and sustain us (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

He, who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Jeremiah Knight

The Reformation Resurgence

08/12/2024

An Antichrist in White Robes

The seat of the papacy has long stood as a throne of deception, and this proclamation only cements its role as the harlot who leads the nations astray (Revelation 17:1-2). Let us not mince words—the pope's declaration is not an act of grace but of rebellion, a mockery of the holiness of God and the truth of His Word. The papacy is the very embodiment of the spirit of Antichrist, exalting itself above God, twisting His truth, and leading millions to eternal ruin (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

This so-called "special jubilee" for the LGBTQ+ community is not a call to repentance; it is an invitation to remain in sin. Scripture is clear: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness" (Isaiah 5:20). By affirming what God condemns, the papacy reveals its true allegiance—not to Christ, but to the prince of this world.

Jesus did not come to affirm sinners in their rebellion; He came to save them from it. "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). The pope’s declaration is a counterfeit gospel, one that denies the power of the cross and the necessity of turning from sin. This is not love; it is hatred masquerading as compassion, leaving people bound in chains that only the blood of Christ can break.

The Word of God thunders against such falsehoods: "Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues" (Revelation 18:4). The papacy's betrayal of truth is nothing new—it has consistently twisted Scripture, exalted tradition above God’s Word, and presented itself as the ultimate authority. But let us remember: "There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).

The pope is no shepherd of Christ’s flock; he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, leading the blind into a pit. Let us be unwavering in proclaiming the true Gospel. Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ, through faith alone, by grace alone, and according to Scripture alone. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever" (Isaiah 40:8).

May we boldly declare the truth, even as the world bows to lies. Christ is King, and He will not share His glory with another. The day is coming when He will crush all false thrones under His feet, including the seat of the papacy. Until then, let us stand firm, speaking the truth in love and calling all to repentance and faith in the one true Saviour, Jesus Christ.

He, who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Jeremiah Knight

The Reformation Resurgence

Follow me on
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/acalltoreform
X (Twitter) - https://x.com/iamrjknight
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/ (Will start making videos soon)

Support me to reach more people in India - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/iamrjknight

29/11/2024

🤧

28/11/2024

26/11/2024

25/11/2024

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6

22/11/2024

A Spirit Filled Life

Many practices in the “church” are being attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit, such as uncontrollable laughter, jerking movements, writhing like animals, and theatrical gestures by leaders, including blowing on people or using clothing as a supposed means of imparting divine power. As believers committed to God’s Word, it is crucial to evaluate these phenomena critically. Anything that cannot be found in Scripture must be rejected outright (Isaiah 8:20; 1 John 4:1).

Marks of a False Spirit-Filled Life

A false Spirit-filled life is often characterized by sensationalism, self-exaltation, and practices that contradict Scripture.

A. Emotionalism and Disorder
False manifestations often prioritize emotional experiences over sound doctrine. For example, uncontrolled laughter, jerking movements, or animal-like behaviours have been attributed to the Holy Spirit in modern settings. However, such actions contradict biblical descriptions of the Spirit's work, which produce self-control and peace (Galatians 5:22–23).

The Apostle Paul admonished the Corinthians for disorderly conduct in worship, emphasizing that "God is not a God of confusion but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33). Genuine spiritual manifestations lead to edification, not chaos (1 Corinthians 14:26–40).

B. False Prophecies and Signs
False prophets often claim direct revelations or perform signs to authenticate their authority. Jesus warned, "For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24).

An example of this can be seen in the story of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8:9–24. Simon used his magical abilities to gain influence and later tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, revealing his selfish motives. False spirituality often seeks personal gain rather than the glory of God.

C. Self-Exaltation
False spirituality frequently glorifies individuals rather than Christ. Modern examples include leaders who claim special anointings, use dramatic gestures like blowing on people, or even throw clothing as a supposed conduit of divine power. This behaviour contrasts sharply with the humility exemplified by Spirit-filled leaders in Scripture, such as John the Baptist, who said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

Marks of a Genuine Spirit-Filled Life

A genuine Spirit-filled life reflects the transformative and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, grounded in Scripture.

A. Fruits of the Spirit
The fruits of the Spirit are the clearest evidence of a Spirit-filled life. These are listed in Galatians 5:22–23 as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The fruits of the Spirit, outlined in Galatians 5:22–23, are the hallmark of a Spirit-filled life:

Love: Sacrificial love for God and others (John 13:34–35).
Joy: Abiding joy rooted in salvation (Philippians 4:4).
Peace: Inner calm, trusting in God’s sovereignty (Philippians 4:7).
Patience, Kindness, and Goodness: Reflecting God’s mercy and integrity (Ephesians 4:32; Romans 12:9).
Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control: Loyal obedience to God and humility in strength (2 Timothy 1:7).

These fruits are not just moral traits but evidence of the Spirit’s transformative work.

Biblical Example: Stephen, described as "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), exemplified these fruits. Even as he was being stoned, Stephen prayed for his persecutors, saying, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). His love, peace, and gentleness reflected the Spirit’s presence.

B. Christ-Centered Worship
The Holy Spirit’s primary role is to glorify Christ (John 16:14). A Spirit-filled believer focuses on Jesus' redemptive work and exalts Him in every area of life. Worship that aligns with the Spirit's leading is reverent, orderly, and God-centered.

Biblical Example: In Acts 2, after the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost, the believers immediately proclaimed the mighty works of God (Acts 2:11). Peter's sermon focused on Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, leading to the repentance and salvation of 3,000 people (Acts 2:37–41).

C. A Life of Holiness
The Spirit sanctifies believers, leading them to walk in holiness. Paul wrote, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7). A Spirit-filled life is marked by repentance, a hatred for sin, and a desire to obey God.

Biblical Example: Joseph, though living under the old covenant, exhibited a Spirit-filled character when he resisted the seduction of Potiphar’s wife, saying, "How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9).

D. Bold Witness for Christ
A Spirit-filled life empowers believers for gospel proclamation. Jesus promised, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8). This boldness is seen in the apostles, who fearlessly preached Christ despite persecution (Acts 4:13, 29).

Discernment in Spiritual Matters

The Bible calls believers to discern between true and false spirituality.

Test Every Spirit
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1). Discernment requires evaluating teachings and practices against Scripture (Isaiah 8:20).

Beware of Counterfeits
Satan often disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Counterfeit spirituality may appear outwardly impressive but lacks biblical substance.

Rely on the Word of God
The Bereans were commended for examining the Scriptures daily to confirm the truth of Paul’s teachings (Acts 17:11). Likewise, believers must ground their understanding of the Spirit's work in God’s Word.

In conclusion a genuine Spirit-filled life reflects Christlike character, holiness, and boldness in proclaiming the gospel. It produces the fruits of the Spirit and glorifies God, not man. False spirituality, on the other hand, exalts individuals, promotes disorder, and contradicts Scripture.

As Paul exhorted, “Test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Let us seek the Spirit’s work in our lives through faithful obedience to God’s Word, ensuring that our lives reflect His truth and bring glory to His name.

He, who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Jeremiah Knight

The Reformation Resurgence