Reply -Work in Progress

http://exchristian.net/letters/2009/01/i-am-work-in-progress-but-it-is-really.html

I've come across questions and situations of a believer who begins to yearn and fall in love with an unbeliever. It's a sensitive subject and it's probably well known by almost all church goers that one is not supposed to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever (2 Corin. 6:14)

The danger is that it is far easier to be influence to stray from the will of God rather than get your significant other to abide by the law of God. A lot of people go into this relationship with the hope that they will be more influential. Unfortunately, the opposite normally prevails.

It's not impossible however. For with God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). One must simply be careful and cautious. As the apostle Paul reminds us, let us consider ourselves lest we also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

The guilt and shame felt by this individual is fairly extreme. I've never known anybody to endure such an emotion. And as men and women we will always deal and struggle with sin. It's whether or not we allow it to consume ourselves. Are we living a habitual life of sin or a habitual life of righteousness? When we sin, do we feel shameful? When we sin, do we ask for forgiveness and immediately repent of our sin?

This nervous breakdown spoken of is a mental hurdle that one needs to deal with. As Christians we have the wonderful blessing of being able to come before God through the mediator Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness. When given, the slate is wiped clean. Because of Christ, we have been imputed righteousness. We are forgiven and loved by the God of this universe, despite our sin. Christ paid the price for it.

With that said, there should be no extreme nervous breakdown. The guilt and shame, though initial and may linger, the overriding truth that God always forgives those who are His children if they come to Him in sincerity should calm our nerves and give us a sense of hope.

Of course, this does not justify the opportunity to constantly commit sin. As we recall, true believers will want to live a life of habitual righteousness not sin.

The true issue of this testimony is this:

"The essence of the matter is that I started seeing life from a completely different perspective and I nearly lost my mind because of it!! I started seeing that people are just people - there should not be any Christians, or Jews, or Muslims... just people. I realised that sex is a wonderful thing to be shared by two lovers, not some sick sin. I realised that just because something is written in some "sacred" book, does not mean that it is actually true! I see so many things in movies and read so many books that show me that we should strive to be free of intolerance, superstition and worthless tradition."

If you continue reading, there is the eurekian affirmation and revelation of "It's all about ME!" This follows the ecumenical revelation that there shouldn't be any difference in people. As you read, you can see where he begins to justify his actions and where the affirmation is given to him that others believe the same thing. "Sex is a wonderful thing to be shared by two lovers, not some sick sin." Based on who's standards? Man's? "I realised that just because something is written in some "sacred" book, does not mean it is actually true!" Again, upon who's authority? Yours?

When we make the standard a perfect God, we fall short. Therefore, sex should be sacred between a man and a woman who are married. When we base the authority upon the inspired Word of God, not just a "sacred" book, then the truth is clear, rather than simply a scapegoat. Absolute truth is absolute whether you believe it or not. I am breathing air. You may not believe it, but it does not negate it's truth. The Bible is the same way.

My last insight is with the following statement:

"I really loved God too and I fear going to hell sometimes, but it is getting better as I meet new people who are not Christians and realise that they can be so wonderful and loving - why would they be sent to hell, it just makes no sense! "

Again, the view of many people who declare themselves atheists because they cannot wrap their minds around a loving God who will punish others to hell. There are good people! They should not go to hell!

Hell, in essence, is the absence of God. If God is love, if God is grace, if God is love and light, heaven will be filled with it. Remove God from a location entirely, you have then removed to the full extent, love, grace, love and light. And any and all things that God is.

Hell is simply a place where God is not present. God is loving enough to allow us free will. If we do not want to be with Him, He will not force us. Therefore if people do not want to be with God after this life, He will not force them to stay in His dwelling place for eternity, Heaven. Hell is a place for those who choose not to be with God.

Again it's our choice. He gives us a way to eternal life. Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If I do, I deal with the consequences. If you don't you deal with yours. In the end, when we stand before God, we can only be accountable for our actions.

There, many people have one last chance to say to God's face "It's all about ME!"

ExChristian.net

Over the last few weeks, I've been reading on a consistent basis the testimonies of people on this website called ExChristian.net. The description of this site is as follows:

"This site is designed with the intention of encouraging ex-Christians, former Christians, de-converting Christians and other non-believers in the decision to live life based on rational thought rather than religious mythology."

It's quite intriguing and enlightening to read firsthand some of these stories and viewpoints of those who discredit anything religion. It helps me get a more well rounded view of the peoples of this earth. Too often many churches stay within the confines of their building walls. It's a safe haven. It's important to go out to those that may not see things the way that we do. Christ did and it is our calling to emulate Him.

It's interesting that a lot of their arguments is against Christianity, God, and Jesus Christ. Often times all denominations of Christianity are lumped together. A lot of these individuals had a very unfortunate experience with radical conservatives. It's just interesting because it's simply aimed at Christianity rather than religion as a whole. I'm just wondering if there's an ExMuslim.net site out there or ExJehovahWitness.net. I guess that's why it's called ExChristian not ExReligion.

In any case, as I continue to read these articles and blog testimonies, whenver I come across one that is interesting, I will post a reply here on this website. I will link the testimony so that you can read what I'm replying to.

I suggest you take a look and browse the site. It has in no way made me question my faith. In fact, it's strengthened it even more. It helps in uncovering respective answers to questions about Christ and God. It simply builds my thirst and hunger for the Word. How can I answer these allegations and interpretations?

Stay tuned for the first of many reasons for the hope that I have in Christ.

Ordination

In less than two months, Lord willing, after defending my thesis on church restoration and bombarded with questions during my review, I will be standing in front of a congregation in Cebu City Philippines ordained into a life of ministerial work. 5 years in the making, but you can argue it's been closer to 13. It's been hard work, and at 10:30pm Sunday evening, January 18th, 2009, I submitted my final draft for my thesis.

But this post isn't about me. It's about another ordination.

Pastor Jason Ricafranca.

At Cornerstone International Christian Church in La Puente, CA, Jason was ordained into full time ministry by his pastor and my grand uncle, Ptr. Paul Lacanilao.

I have but known Jason only for a few months, but he has left an undeniable impact in my life. As I sat, listening to the responsibilities befall upon him, I witnessed him sitting in front of his congregation, eye closed, hands in his lap, deep in meditation and prayer. He understood the magnitude and importance of this day. He understood how critical of an undertaking this position was.

And this is why he is the perfect, God-ordained person for this job.

He exudes passion. He exudes fervor. He spills over in desire, commitment, and love for his youth and fellow believers. He instructs and lead kids into a life of selflessness, humility, desire to serve the Lord. He made them focus on others, not just themselves, evidenced by the entire theme of summer 2008: Missions.

Attending Skid Row in LA on a monthly, if not a weekly basis. Providing and witnessing to those less fortunate. Jason made these kids realize that there is a world outside of Ipods and Wii's, shoes, clothes, and other nonsense.

Jason came into this position with an uphill battle. Confused and mislead, his group was unsure of authority, unsure of theology, unsure of what was the truth. Jason comforted them, embraced them, set up damage control and earned their trust.

All while speaking the truth of God's Word.

He inspires, not only those who are directly under him, whom he leads, but those who share his vision, his ministry, his burden from afar. I am encouraged by his strength, not in his own ability, but in the strength of his humility to let God use him. Above all else, my admiration for Jason is his unwavering position to compromise the Word of God.

Jason, you have affected lives more than you know. I walk this journey with you. I fight the battle at the front lines by your side. Not to challenge you, but because I am pushed, encouraged, and incited by you to fight, not in flesh in blood, but in the spiritual realm, in principalities and powers.

By your side because I am honored and blessed to be taking this journey, running this race, and fighting this war with you.

Congratulations my friend. The excitement is only beginning. My patience runs thin waiting to see how God will use you.

Teen Speaking

I forget how difficult it may be for teenagers today to really stand up and speak in front of a crowd, especially about something that's controversial and convicting. I've been speaking for probably over a decade so it's become old hat, but for someone who doesn't have that experience, it's difficult and I lose touch with that reality.

Standing before peers, making convictions, standing firm, and presenting challenges to a group of starry eyed, I'm here-only-because-I'm-supposed-to-be-here, when do we get out of this class, high school students can be pretty daunting. When asked, the speaker replied "I'm not really worried about the people in this classroom. I know that God brought the people that He wanted to be here listening." Growth... Maturity... Faith... all rolled into one.

I sat, listening as the passion and commitment she made, not only to her message, but her decision, her convictions, her desire to lead a life obedient to God's will, came out through her petite voice, louder and louder as she challenged the entire classroom. "What are WE going to do about it?" she boomed. "Can it change? Will it change?"

As it ended, as people brushed past her to scurry their way to the next class, a handful of those listening stopped and surrounded her, a few passed by, waiting to catch her attention before they left the classroom simply to say "thanks." There were hugs and smiles, compliments strewed about.

But what was inside her head? Was she relieved? Happy? Even more driven?

Or did she resent this mission, this ministry that was placed in her lap?

At the end of her testimony, she had a line: "Take it in or get pulled in." No more applicable to the time at hand.

Either way, it was a success. Not because she got an applaud from the class or approval from the teacher. It was because she was obedient to God's will and voiced her decision to do so.

Thank you Princess. For what it's worth, you pulled us in...