The History 

Church History is an interesting subject. Though at times, I find it hard to remember the dates, dates that are important. Upon learning this subject, I was interested on the progression of events happened and most of my questions before was answered while learning this subject. One of my question before was why there are a lot of religion in this world? As I read and hear from lessons to lessons in this subject I was able to know the answer why especially the events between the protestant and the catholic. I was able to see the great hand of God working within the Church through many circumstances.

 I see depicts from the belief as time goes by. Yet, everything end up in what He wanted to be. The challenging part for me is to remember the details knowing that one weakness is memorizing or remembering the details but God is so good because he help me sustain in this subject. I was also challenge in making ways on how to make reflection as well as be part in the forum. I find it hard because I have to wait for vacant laptop or seat in order to pass reflection and to participate in the forum. As of now, I was challenged to read more books about this topic. It’s nice knowing more about it and learns more about it. I love the book because it is easy to understand and very light yet it is meaty with good information. It is not bias as well as it is not exaggerated. The knowledge about this subject will help me in the ministry someday it maybe not in teaching class but maybe in the question which people are curious about in relation to Church History subject. The knowledge I know about this certain subject will help others to know and open their minds about certain things happened before. It is essential to know what happen because it will help them see the depicts and the power of God in forming His church. Depicts in the sense that there are biblical truths being twisted in order to support their gain some are for personal interest, it is good to know this because it will make think and see what changes are needed to do.

Christmas Carol

Charles Wesley Hymn “Hark the Herald Angel Sing” a 1739 hymn written for Christmas Caroling. Based on the history of this Hymn, the first line of the hymn was “Hark! How all the welkin rings” which was altered by various hands such as George Whitefield who was a co-worker of Charles Wesley. The lyric of the hymn was:

“Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

This verse exemplifies our joy of Jesus coming into the Earth which reconciles us from God. Not only man was rejoicing but also the angels rejoice and great news that the King came down for us just to saved us. I didn’t know actually that it was Charles Wesley who wrote this for me this song was so significant because whenever I hear this song, I remember my elementary days as well as my high school days. We used to sing this whenever we went from house to house just to sing a Christmas carol in exchange with the money.

 It was fun and exciting singing this hymn. I am not into the lyrics of this song but now I see the beauty of its lyrics which emphasizes the Joyous feeling of having Christ being born just to give us the Peace. Indeed, the refrain of this song tells us that we should shout with great joy remembering those events, though its thousand years past. He came to seek and to save to those who are lost. I was lost but now I’m found by Him. That is why I am joyful for the life He gave me. His name is worthy to be shouted and proclaimed.

Prayer and the Bible

Studying the scripture and daily prayer is a valuable thing to do as Christian. It is essential in the sense that it will help you grow and learn more about what you believe as well as you will be able to see for yourself how important it is to be with Christ. I will challenge every believer to have a constant devotion with God like reading his word and in prayer. It shows intimacy with God. The scripture tells us about that the word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. It means, the word of God directs us in our work and way. The whole Scripture is a light shining in a dark place; a lamp or torch to be carried in the hand of a believer, while he passes through this dark world; and is in the present state of imperfection, in which he sees things but darkly. It is a good light to walk and work by. That is why, man apart from being resolved in immerse himself in studying as well as obeying the word of God will be having great trouble in life. Prayer also is an important thing for Christian because it is the believer’s expression of trust and attitude on dependency to God. It is a fellowship with God. A privilege that we can ask and receive that which is in accordance to His will. Prayer should be a lifestyle in one’s life.

            Both ways are essential. Reading the scripture helps you to know what He wants you to know and do. In prayer, it gives us the privilege to talk to Him and present to Him everything we have in our hearts whether it is grievance, happiness, sadness, trouble, worries, and things you are afraid of. Anything we can talk to Him about. He is always listening to what we desire to tell Him. He is always available.

            I remember the book of Joshua when God told Him to meditate His word day and night so that He will be prosperous and successful in whatever he does. As I see myself in this area. Indeed it is a great struggle to e consistent in this area. I know that it is important but sometimes I forget to read His word and pray to Him constantly that is why whenever I fail to read His word, my day will become miserable and I feel something is lacking with my day and I easily get angry. This is a learning that indeed without that great devotion with our God our life is empty and we will feel the missing thing in our life. Before this thing might happen to you, it is an encouragement to do our devotion by reading His word constantly and to have our regular prayer with the Lord. 

God is near

The event in Cana tells us about Jesus’ first miracle being displayed publicly. This event was said

to be important to the devotees of Mary. They said that the event displays Jesus’ power and of Mary’s

intercession for the people’s need. The Philippines or the Filipinos as the book says is known to be one

of  the most  fervent Marian country not only in Asia but worldwide.  They believe that Mary was always

concerned of the people’s need and able to help them not only in the things that we are aware of but

also with the things that we still don’t think in present. The belief in Mary as the intercessor between

God and man is widely known as well as practiced within the Philippine regions.  They really fight for the

essential role of Mary in a person’s life. Some devotees would really say this that, “one should never

neglect Mary as the mother of Jesus who was chosen by God to bless others. “

As I think about that event in Cana as well as the claim that Mary can intercede for people, I felt

pity towards them knowing that they were wrong. They misinterpreted the event by just putting their

own opinion on the text or in technical term it is called Eisegesis. They never realized that Mary was just

a human like us who may also have an instinct – a human instinct to feel what others feel and have this

great concern. What the devotees of Mary do was over emphasizing or stressing the action of Mary in

that event.  They should remember that Mary was a mother. As we all know, Mothers had this kind of a

concern instinct towards things or event. This is what happen when small things was given so much

stress just to satisfy their own preference.

Sometimes, I have this tendency to over emphasize things which is not important like Church

practices, color, words used, and styles on how things done. It is really bad to over emphasize its either

you broke someone or you will be broken. Seeing people having this kind of situation, it makes me feel

so bad because they were limiting God in his power and as if God is far from them. They never realized

that God is there ready and willing to be there for them without those that they believe that can

intercede for them. God is near and is always available.

Under Construction

Chapter 4 deals about the Anabaptist, in this chapter we were able to know the main thrust of the group's belief. Anabaptist as the book defines as “Ana” meaning repeat and “baptist” meaning

baptize. In short, Anabaptists believe that a person may only come to baptism after the person has put

 his trust in Jesus Christ. They also nullify the belief of “Infant Baptism” for them it is not biblical.

They believe in the sole authority of the Bible as the basis of the belief and practices. Anabaptist

really fought the faith that they had. They disagreed on the belief that all radicals are Anabaptist.

They said that, “All Anabaptist are radicals but not all radicals are Anabaptist.” They really insisted

upon it because they know that there are four groups of radical reformers. Namely, the Biblicist,

Kingdom Builder, Mystics, and Free thinkers—all are Radicals but they are not all Anabaptist. As

you can see that the four types differs in perspective and of emphasis. They have different reaction

towards Catholicism.

As I reflect upon the story, I was able to see the greatness of God in constructing or molding the

Church which He wanted to be. God really sets things in order. He orchestrated every details of the

Church which He wanted to see and it still continues in doing that, knowing that the Church is still

imperfect in structure. As we know about the Church, it is the believers who gathered together as a

family of Christ. Everyone in the Church is still under construction by the great Architect who is

Christ Jesus. But I was so confused that instead of helping each other what happen is that most of the

churches were trying to pull others down and fighting against the differences. I like what Augustine had said, “In Majority, we are united, in Minority we have liberty and in differences there must be charity.” It’s difficult seeing Churches especially in the evangelical churches which I belong. I was not blind seeing those things that Churches are pulling each other down in their differences, comparing how they do things and how they manage things. They thought they are better than the others and they thought they were invulnerable. I see pride in every Church today which breaks my heart knowing that God didn’t plan it or make the church that way. I know that one day the Churches will be united and focus to what matters most.God wants us to love one another and help one another not pull one another down. Our love for each other will identify us that we are God’s disciple (John 13:35).

"He is just a breath away"

“A Mighty Fortress is our God,” written by Martin Luther, is a great hymn which recognizes the

power of God unto each man whenever there is trouble being encountered. The assurance of such

person being with the mighty God will give him or her confidence despite circumstances. The lyrics

speaks of who God is and what can He do into our lives. There are many events in life that seem to be

 without solution, we thought that God is not around helping each man in his or her trouble. As I

reflected on the lyrics, I could only imagine that man in his life faces a lot of troubles or difficulties

but the author assures us that God is always there. If we are to know the events happened in the life

of the writer, we can find out that the author faced huge and lots of difficulties for the author was

fighting for the faith that he had in Christ Jesus and standing for it despite oppositions. As I imagined

this the author was so depressed, helpless, alone, and discouraged yet one thing that reminded Him

that he had Jesus on his side. Jesus is his fortress, helper, strength, confidence and of comfort. The

author recognizes the difficulties and the hurt that it can give to such person. He recognizes the effect

and the damage it can give as well as reason to give up but he said it's not about us but it's about God

as our mighty fortress.

I love the song for it reminds me about my confidence in Jesus Christ. It reminds me that

though things may have gone wrong and bad, people may not stay, and things may not go well; I still

have my savior with me for He is my refuge and strength in times of trouble. There are times in my

life that I lost confidence, power, reason to live and love because of circumstances but everything

changes when I saw God's hand working in me through that and understand why he allows things. It

changes my mindset about life, love and future that no matter what happens God never changes, God

never stops dealing with me, He never stops reaching me, helped me and construct me into a person

he wanted me to be. He is still the fortress, confidence, strength and the comfort whatever trials and

difficulties I may have.

Some People differ in obstacles, differ on how to cope up with many things, differ in how to

deal situation but we have to remember that there is only one who can help us solve everything, it is

only Jesus. Apart from Jesus Christ we can't do it. I don't know what obstacles you are in right now

but I hope you will find your confidence in Jesus because in Him we can be victorious and conqueror.

Mercy and Compassion

The Pope’s visit brings significance to most Filipinos and most of them take this as a

privilege to be visited by a pope because for them it is a blessing to have the pope. In an article

his visit is referred to as the “Holy Father’s visit.” It is a week of staying in the Philippines and a

lot of preparation has been made but the thing that caught my attention is his intention why he

visits the Philippines. The theme of the Pope’s visits to Philippines is “Mercy and Compassion”

which they followed the act of Christ towards the multitude in Matthew 9:36. The main thrusts

of his visit are those affected by typhoon Yolanda and earthquake. He comes to show his deep

concern for our people who have gone through devastating calamities, especially in the Visayas

There was a statement in Pope’s exhortation “the Church must be a place of mercy freely given,

where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the

Gospel” (Evangelii Gaudium 114).1 As what the article is trying to say that Filipino should be

identified as merciful and it should be acted upon by helping other people in need.

What I liked about this visit is the emphasis of showing mercy and compassion to other

people. His visit is to comfort the people. If you are going to look at his action as the leader of

the Catholic Church it reminds us about the role of a shepherd towards his flocks. It is

comforting to know that their leader doesn’t just teach them what it is to love one another but

acted it by visiting his people. If we noticed, today’s leaders are not practicing this kind of act. It

seems that to see them in such session or fellowship satisfies their leadership but forgot the most

important thing and it is to show the care or to show the love. There is a common statement,

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” The act of pope

coming here will challenge us to do likewise. We should visit our flocks. We should show our

concern. A care that is not just words but also through action. That is, practicing what we are

preaching.

I was challenged about the Pope’s action as well as encouraged of doing it as he follows

Christ-like actions. I was reminded about what Christ has done for me. He acted out of concern.

He showed so much concern toward me and loved me up to the point that He died for me. I was

challenged to show it not just teaching it. I must live to love like Christ. How about you? Are

you a man of a great knowledge or a man of action - don’t just talk about the truth, walk it?

Servant leadership

Are you a Lord or a Servant?

The rule of the Popes and their supremacy and the claim to be the true church is one of the interesting ideas that Roman Catholics believe. It was in their time that apart from the Catholic Church men can't have salvation. It was in the power of the pope that they believe as the highest authority among the living. Popes during A.D 1050 - 1215 gained their power through monastic reform, crusades, and pope's leadership. Pope became wealthy and of great influence in the society and even in the state. They became authoritative and greedy for the position in which some of them bribe just to have the position. We can see a lot of wrong teachings as well as the wrong practice during that time. They have also wrong governance of the church. They thought that they were given the highest authority in the church.

Nowadays as we can see that it is still practiced that pope has the highest authority in the church. They are still practicing many wrong teachings and beliefs which contradicts the teaching that was written in the Bible. It was so sad knowing that they are so religious as well as dogmatic about their beliefs yet they are in the other side of the rope. Pope is above everyone but they don't know that everyone is equal.

I was pondering about this idea about “having power or supremacy”. It was so ironic that Jesus Christ is teaching his disciples then to be a servant of all. We can read it in Luke 22:25-27 it says, “…And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' "But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. "For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.…” It is very clear that Jesus Christ teaches his people not to lord over others yet He wants every believer and especially leaders to be a servant of all. It was so interesting to know that God wants us being servant not as Lord. This is also a great reminder to all of us who are in the position that we should practice servant leadership as what Christ has done. Meaning what was practiced by the pope at that time was not servant leadership but rather lording over others. We know that people don't want to be a servant a sad but true to almost leaders but it should be obeyed and displayed that the greatest and biblical leadership is being a servant. Think about your leadership style today, are you a Lord over others or a servant of everyone? Is your leadership biblical or just a result of what was being practice? You have to make a right decision by following God's ideal leadership style.

Differences...

Difference

Many people around the world have different views on things and events. They most likely have a different thought about life as well about their belief on God. It's interesting to know that after many years had passed, religion is still the most attractive and essential thing to human lives. The belief on many gods and the belief of one true god was the common belief then while some believed in spirits but the important point is that today many are being misled with wrong ideas that lead  them to a wrong set of beliefs and practices. In the history of the Roman Catholic Church many things are done differently.  They have seven sacraments.  In NT times salvation was through Christ alone but not in the Church where one needs someone, the pope or bishop, as intermediaries between God and man. They believe that it was the pope's primary duty as intermediaries. It is quite alarming in the sense that the belief in the NT church and today's Catholicism has a big difference. The difference between the two churches are so tremendous and dangerous as well. As I think about these changes of practice and belief, I have come to a conclusion that this was due to human greed, greed of power and of wealth. We can see the danger of being greedy.  It is dangerous when you believe on something and what you believe is wrong. So as to the practice, how we act is most likely based on what we believe. Example to that is when a person believes that life is a test. He has this kind of attitude not to dwell much on his problem, when problem arises, because he sees life as a test. This is also what happens to the Roman Catholic Church some of their belief and practices are not biblical.

As we can see in the evangelical world the belief that salvation is through faith in Christ Jesus alone. Person can come to God directly through prayers and there is no need of intermediaries. People can confess their sins directly to God by asking God for forgiveness through prayer. Baptism as well as the Lord supper doesn't save a person nor cleanse him or her but the practice of doing it is showing yourself that you are a follower of Him. It is not something that has a magical power to make a person better but rather a symbolism of your full submission to God. This is a challenge for us in order for us to see ourselves living or walking on the right track (Biblical). Read your Bible and see whether you are living biblically or you are just a mere follower of traditions. The bible teaches us a lot of things and  help us see the truth.

Success???

In AD 451-1050, the church in Rome grew faster and there were factors that aided its growth and one of those was the invasion of the German tribes. There were doctrinal changes that happened during that time which resulted into how Roman Catholicism is today. The invasion caused into numbers of members, organized institution, and prestige. Despite what happened it was very interesting that politically and militarily Rome was defeated yet their belief or religion was still dominating. We may be able to see that despite what we call tragedy at that time there was always something good that came out of it. Politically they invaded Rome yet in terms of governance in religious activities Rome's belief was overpowering. There were a lot of big developments or changes happening yet it resulted into more dramatic and dominating in power. There was this Monasticism and the Reforms which gives the idea of power that the pope's had. A lot of activities was also done by a lot of priest like outreaches, church planting and evangelizing. Despite the  issues that were roaming around about the corruption and immorality within the church, or even though the Church used forged documents in order to have the privileges, the Church continued to grow. Persecution also immerges as the power also arises in the office of the papacy.

We saw the dramatic growth of the Church. Sometimes the growth of a church was based upon numbers but actually numbers don’t identify Church successful growth. As I reflected upon this truth, I noticed that a lot of evangelical Christian churches today are doing the same thing that they are equating growth with numbers. They are equating success in number of people within the vicinity. This kind of idea also happens to the German tribes. They thought that they were winning or victorious because they govern the land and yet they are the one who had been governed. The “misconception” is clearly seen during that time. Another misconception also and quiet interesting is the pope and bishop's power. They rule the vicinity, having a dominant and greedy attitude in acquiring position. We can see that also today, there are people around the Christian community who may have the same thinking that to be on the top makes you more powerful. Being on the top allows you to control over people.

In the Bible the Lord Jesus Christ is telling us about what is spiritual leadership. The scripture also gives us the idea of what true success mean. A quotation from the Bible that says, “Who wants to be great must be slave to everyone” and a strong reminder of God that “... Do not Lord over them just as others are doing”. This kind of mentality and character is what composes a spiritual leadership. These should be a reminder that to become a minister he or she must have the heart of a servant leader. Servant in the sense that he or she will not think of what to gain but rather for what he or she can give to others. In John chapter 15, The most repeated word was “Abide”. It was emphasize that the believer's gain is in Christ. Relationship with Christ is the primary factor of having a successful life and ministry. It is just the same thing when we meant the word “Seeking” God first. We saw that vivid picture to that in the life of Job. We know that Job in worldly perspective he was successful in every way but when testing arises we can see that the real success of Job is in his relationship with the Lord. Everything was gone yet he knows that he is wealthy because God is on his side. May it be this event reminds us about the right perspective to things and events.

INFLUENCE

Constantine the great gave a significant role in Christianity as well as politics. He was worldwide known person for his accomplishment that made him more famous. He was the known emperor in the west and east of Rome.  He made a lot of development within his term and made a difference at that time. His name is inculcated in the very minds of every person. Even today most of the students who love reading historical books most likely know who Constantine was.

His life reminds me of what He did in the past that made a big impact to history. His accomplishment that made a significant role to the Church and to the country. I was able to look at myself about it, if what impact that I could give in another person's life. Influence that could give glory to God or what difference that I could give in order to glorify the name of the Lord. I was thinking that in the remaining month that we have here in school maybe it's not too late to do an action, an intentional one, that will made a difference or can leave a legacy, a good legacy, to the school and in FED assignments.

I was thinking of mentoring someone in Christ. In such a way that they will continue to live a life pleasing to God, a person that is abounding in love, obedience, and God fearing. It may be hard for me to do it but I know that my divine mentor is always there to help me in times of whatever situation. It's hard for me in the sense that no one personally and intentionally mentors me. I haven't had that experience of being mentored. Though it's hard I will try my best to mentor someone at the end of the school year. I know that it is not just a one-time event. I know that God will help me lead the person in such a way that he will walk in accordance to God’s purpose and will for his life. As what Sir Nordine preached at one chapel time, I need to do the hard thing. I need to stretch myself for the glory of God. As of now I was thinking of a lot of things that will leave legacy here in school and even outside school like in the FED assignments. I was thinking of what are the good thing that I could give that will please God as well as gives impact to someone's life.

Constantine's life is a picture of a person that will give encouragement to every leaders of today. Though we may see the good and the bad side of his being yet we can see the accomplishment he had and impacted the whole world. Constantine is just like you and me. All of us had a bad experience as well bad habits yet God can do something about it if you are willing to stand and make difference for God. Let us always remember that our time here on Earth is passing away. We don't know when will we die but remember what you can do now, do it all for the greater glory of God by making difference and impact to someone's life.