Strong Opposition

The discussion for this week was about the strong opposition for Christianity and factor that challenged beliefs and practices. And I have learned that those persons who challenged Christianity teaching were once a Christian believer. I also learned that Christianity before become threat to society in different aspects.

By looking at the History of the church from introduction of the class, the first thing came to my mind is how God preserves and sustains believers both in faith and in teaching. Truly His way are amazing.  God accomplished His plan even throughout persecution and hardship in the journey. I thought that I could just be focused on reading and memorizing dates on this subject but I was mistaken it’s exciting to know God deeper and His plan for human History and church growth. That He even preserves history for us to continue to pass it to the next generation.

It is God’s grace that enables believers to have faith in Him. There are people mentioned in this study that turned away from their faith and tried to personalize what they believe about God, they made their own teaching and they claimed to be the only truth. The worst of it they become a challenge to a believer’s faith.

 I’m once privileged to know this truth because I grew up in Christian faith, so I don’t have much idea on other beliefs. From what I learned I will always be thankful and praising God because I know my faith and the truth that is founded on the scripture. I will devout myself to study more of his word. More importantly, I will share the truth to others. Thank God.

God's faithfulness to fulfill His plan

           

     

History really tells about God’s faithfulness on preserving persecuted Christians in their times. I learned from the movie the reason of how Christianity spread rapidly. I can say that in spite of Constantine what motives he had in declaring Christianity but I believe that God used him. How I wish I was mistaken to think that he only believed God to accomplish his own desire for power over other emperor.

In every event either bad or good God fulfilled His way through it. Knowing that God is in control of everything His plan is always the best. However, it is easy to complain when things goes wrong rather than being thankful and trust God what He will do on the next chapter. I thank God that I could learn new truths in the History of Christianity, even in rough times God is really at work in every way.

The papacy power

       
From this chapter I learned something about popes in the history; they used the title papacy to gain the power. The history tells how pope became cruel in authority during their time. However there were oppositions that hindered their authorities that caused to stop its growth. These oppositions against the Roman claims were done by those chosen by God to stop them. But they are still growing in different way. Knowing this is the great opportunity to be able to share the truths, I know it is God’s plan to let the people know. As ministers I can use what I have learned from this topic to explain the faith that we should practice based on the scriptures. Also, as teacher I will let my students open their mind in looking up the pope as what they used to know.

            Many in our churches today don’t know all about the history why popes are being honored in the society that everyone subjects to obey him as if it has something to do with man’s personal relationship in salvation that Christ provided us. 

Roman catholic to the state

            I have never been a Roman Catholic but the religion is familiar to me. My cousins and neighbors are all Catholics. My classmates and some of my teachers are also Catholics. I could still remember whenever the priest would come we would not have our classes because the students are required to attend the mass. I heard from my auntie about the bishops and the “pope” they are so fanatic to it. I also observe how they honor the leader of the church, the pope. I thought it was just a leader like what I've used to know.

            From the class I learned that the bishops and pope are using the scriptures to gain authority. On the other side these claim was being opposed by its weaknesses. Eventually the claim did not progress but the question why there are still pope claim that way? Is it not selfishness knowing that the authority of the pope cannot surpass the power of the state leader? Now that I know about it I am so grateful to know this fact. This will help me deal with catholic in evangelism. The truth that I have learned is the best thing to discuss and open their mind and it is free from all judgmental mindset.

            Because of this topic my mind open about what are the pope contribution to the Christianity today. I just considered all popes before are teaching wrong doctrine especially in worshiping idols but not all. There are true popes who claim and fulfilled duty as servant of God and who fight what should be practiced inside the church.

            Therefore, I will try to learn more about history in the area of the Roman Catholic Church. I will read more information. Also, to keep me reminded I will share this truth to those who once view the way I was about the Roman Catholic view to the authority of the pope. We can deny the fact that these really exists even our time today, many of my friends honor the authority of the pope towards their beliefs and practices. Even this claim was being opposed but still they find their way to pursue such selfishness of power.

The Monasticism

      I have known of a name Benedict since I was elementary. I heard about him from my classmates and my catholic teacher. I learned that he aided a lot to the development of papacy. I don’t have any idea about movement regarding Catholicism or the movement called Monasticism which he founded. I just know that they have also missionary in the form of monk. Also I learned that many churches have become money-centered even in the olden times. The pope demanded money from the people by his power and authority as pope. The corruption in the Church started even as a result of papal authority and development.

            Every time I remember about difference of the churches before and now I always think they were better than what we have today, but I was mistaken because they also have flaws. Just like we have today, they had same problem when a ministry is consumed by the greed for money, it is totally ruined. It’s been a concern in churches specially money factor. It’s just simple tool but when it overshadows the person he will be driven off from his beliefs.

            This truth is revealed in history. I fit will happen that someone will ask me about anything from the history of the church I can have answers to clarify factsrelated to this topic. Indeed God is an unchanging God.  Reforms and movements have been made to uphold the power of the papacy by the Catholics, but it is God’s plan that prevails. 

The Pope of many First's visit

The Filipino Roman Catholic is all busy preparing for the visit of Pope Francis. The information was broadcast on air and on television. Back in my home town those who are RC are all excited. I got to the imagination the coming of Jesus, what if he would come in the same way?  Anyway, it’s just imagination.

 I don’t know what to reflect honestly but for me I felt sorry for the people who are still blinded in honoring the pope without any idea why are they doing so. Others are obeying because it’s a culture of the family. The practices became the essence of doing it. I wonder what makes the visit of the pope so important to them. What factor gets the sympathy of the people to be his fan. In previous pope who visited the country rumors echoed with all the negatives I believe that many are not innocent on that idea rather chose to keep what is common.

It’s a perfect opportunity to share God’s truth to those who really admire the pope. This time is the best time to show that we are different from them. Personally I did explaining truths about the popes both believers and unbelievers. Whenever they talk the coming visit of the popes I explain about it hoping that in doing so it might open their minds of who really pope Francis.

God's plan is always the best

     I like the song, though the words may not be easy to understand yet it’s meaningful. God is our strength.  He is my strength, my victory and my comfort. Looking backward, God is really amazing in every single detail of my life. His preservation, provision, faithfulness, grace and love is indescribable. Truly, I am weak but He is strong.  I know I can’t do anything but through Him I know I can. His grace is enough for me. He made me victorious and assured me that I am His and He is mine, that no one can separate me from his hand. Christ death gave me victory that I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

            The song is God’s message telling me that He is everything to me and in His hand I am secure. His plan is great for my life. Great is the Lord almighty and glory belongs to Him. I thank him because He has given me opportunity to be trained as a minister. By His grace I will continue to share His love to others in proclaiming the good news. 

Anabaptist Contribution

The Anabaptist are not really familiar to me. And the things I learned just from  the discussion are the history itself of the group,  important events in their history,  how  they flourished and how much they were being challenged yet endured,  and lastly Zwingli’s involvement in the reformation.

            The history of the Anabaptist has contribution to our doctrine today because of the reformers who share the orthodox teaching of the scripture.  But on the later part of many reformations happened,some doctrines were changed and I felt sorry for the followers of the teaching of Renato. He confused the people’s belief thus, the people who fought for the truth.  I thank God because He has given me opportunity to know Him since I was young.  I praise Him for His greatness, I grew up in a family that taught me to honor Him and love Him. I wasn't able to try to think to change what I believe because my parents brought me up in the truth and knowledge of the Lord praise Him. This truth will be known through my life in the place where He leads me.

Who is Mary to the Catholics?

The Catholics believe that Mary is a powerful mediator. She is one of the closest to Jesus’ heart because she is his mother. They prayed to her many times because she could plead to Jesus in their behalf. They know that she is not God yet they are given her much importance in their belief. Growing in this faith affects variously in their
relationship to God. First it affects direct communication to the Father. They prayed through Mary not in the name of Jesus. Also it affects in their action because Jesus should be the center yet Mary owns the honor as the center in adoring her capability to be the people spokesperson to Jesus. The final fulfillment of Christ exact representation of the Father was being rejected. Jesus said you can ask whatever you want to the Father in my name; the Bible did not say anything about Mary mediating us to Jesus. We can directly come to Him. Therefore they have to understand that Mary is a mere human like us,
a once receiver of Christ’s grace.

            God said “I am a jealous God,” it is clear in the Ten Commandments that having other gods is forbidden for  God’s people. The Catholics should understand what Mary’s role being a mother of Jesus here on earth. When they just believe on the Scripture’s teaching there will never be faith like such as they have. I ask my mother before if Mary would be happy with what the people are doing. Does she really like that the people are praying many times in her name? 

"Hark the herald angel sing"

Whenever I hear this song I always remember Christmas.  I heard this song just here in BTC during our Sing and Share activity.  The song “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” is all about the coming of Jesus here on earth.  This song tells us that because of the love of God all heavens are rejoicing.

            Aside from its beautiful meaning, this song also reminds me of the love of God that needs to be shared with others.  I was one of the members of a church planting team in Tac-an which was my first exposure to a semi-mission work.  The ministry developed my passion for missions and opened my heart to teaching. It was totally a time of many first experiences; teaching kids, handling Bible study for adults, counseling and mingling with a new group of people.

            Now going back to the message of the song, like Charles, we can retell the story of Jesus’ coming on earth—His extra ordinary birth. The song is expressing pure joy, what a great privilege for us to know the Lord's story.  All of us now know that He brings peace, joy, and hope to everyone.  God and sinners are reconciled through the finished work of Jesus.  This reconciliation is gladness to the world.

            This song always reminds me that Christ came to show the love of the Father to the world.  It was to make known to all and today it’s our responsibility continue to tell His story to others with a grateful heart for what He has done. Glory to Him alone.   

The Pietistic Practice

            For me there is real value in stressing the pietistic practice among believers in the church because first, having personal devotion is what makes a believer’s relationship with the Lord become richer and more meaningful.  It also helps a Christian to grow more spiritually. Personal Bible reading is a valuable discipline where a person can get insights on God‘s word and an avenue where he can develop himself or herself to be mature not just spiritually but also emotionally.

These practices as members of the church are helpful for the pastor in seeking for growth in the lives of his members—loving and knowing the Lord more. I think as minister it’s our pleasure to witness our fellow believers that are trying to grow in the Lord in their initiative of devoting themselves in prayer and reading His word.

            However, if one focuses only on these external disciplines while neglecting the essentials of an intimate relationship with the Lord, it may lead to something not aligned with the standards of God. Our devotion to God should not be a cause for someone to feel superior and condemn others. It should not lead us to  self righteousness because it is all by God’s grace.